Mt. Juliet and Lebanon TN
Many people fear having to send their loved one to a nursing home. While it may be a last resort for some people, it is inevitable for others. Beginning your search for a quality, caring nursing home can seem exhausting.
Q:
- How do you know which one is the right one?
- Will the staff care for your loved one as you would?
- What will you do if something goes wrong?
These probably are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your questions and worries concerning such an important decision. Elder law attorney in Mt. Juliet, Yancy Belcher, is here to share with you four things to consider when looking for a nursing home. Elder abuse among nursing homes is real. According to one study, 5 million elders are abused each year. Follow these tips to help protect your loved one.
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Choose a facility that offers care for your loved one’s needs
You should begin by determining your loved one’s needs. Will they need special attention for a disability? Do they need round the clock care? Identify your loved one’s need for care before beginning your search to help get you started in the right direction. Not all long-term healthcare facilities are the same, and neither are the services that they offer.
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Research, research, research
Most of us when deciding on which brand of an electronic to purchase or where to have dinner out will spend time researching, combing through reviews to be sure and make the best choice. Choosing a nursing home shouldn’t be any different. Check online to see what other people have to say about their experience with a particular facility. Don’t just trust reviews published no the facility’s website either. Be sure to check third-party websites, which are more likely to be authentic reviews.
Be sure to ask the facility questions such as their fall rate, ranking for hospitalized-acquired infections, and whether they have received any violations. Find out their protocol for preventing spread of illnesses and diseases. These are all important factors to consider before signing your loved one up for care.
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Ask around for recommendations
It’s always a good idea to ask around for recommendations to see what people you know and trust have to say about what facility they would or would not recommend. If you have a friend or trusted acquaintance that has experience with long-term health facilities, ask about their opinion. Most people will be quick to share their experience, good or bad, which may help you in making your decision.
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Drop by for a visit
Touring the facility is probably an option that most all places offer. However, consider making an unexpected or unannounced visit so that you can really get a good feel for how things are done. You may even want to bring your loved one along with you so that they can see for themselves the operations of the facility, and how the residents are cared for by staff.
Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Nashville
The Law Office of Yancy Belcher has been providing legal services to the Nashville, Hermitage, and Mt. Juliet area for 20 years. To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation regarding a potential elder abuse case, please contact our office by calling (615) 773-2889. We are proud to serve the Lebanon, Hermitage and Mt. Juliet, TN
