Avoiding poor nursing home care for loved ones
In light of the two facilities that were forced to close due to poor quality of care recently, 21 News takes a look at what you need to know before moving a loved one into a nursing home.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - In light of the two facilities that were forced to close due to poor quality of care recently, 21 News takes a look at what you need to know before moving a loved one into a nursing home.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Director with the Area Agency on Aging 11 and resident rights advocate John Saulitis told 21 News that the best times to visit are weekends when there's less staff and busy meal times.
This will give you an idea of how the staff really care for the residents. Are the staff members tense or working together? Is it going smoothly?
Don't discount an unpleasant smell when you first walk in.
While on a tour, check to see if the tour guide greets residents by name and engages them in conversation. If the staff member doesn't, "then you're running into something that's equivalent of someone selling you a time share, a bed, that's not what you want. You want a place that's home like," said Saulitis.
Look out for any employees not answering the call light for help that is lit up outside a person's door.
"If your mom was in there asking for help, people are ignoring her request for help," said Saulitis.
Ask if the nursing home has a licensed social worker who basically coordinates all of the person's needs. Depending on the size of the facility, this position may not be required by law but Saulitis said that it is important.
Another question, are the nurses aides, who spend the most time with the residents, at the table for the person's care plan meeting?
Also ask your loved one where does he or she want to live?
"Before deciding to enter a nursing home, explore the possibility of something less restrictive," he said.
Saulitis said that there are a lot of in home care options that cover nursing assistance, meal prep, bathing/grooming, chore service plus assisted living.
According to Saulitis, a lot of times families don't have time to vet a nursing home because people go to them after the hospital. If you get into that situation or if you have more questions in general, call the ombudsman's office at 1-800-589-5826.
To learn about any citations at nursing homes go to Medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html
For additional information on Ohio nursing homes and assisted living facilities go to ltc.ohio.gov
