Deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home is a tough decision, but one that can offer many benefits. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide care to seniors with advanced needs. They also provide opportunities for activities and socialization, which is crucial to a fulfilling life.
However, some nursing homes offer poor care, which can have a negative impact on your loved one. Here are a few red flags to watch for when it comes to nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Lack of activities
Activities offer many benefits to residents of nursing homes. Things like book clubs, arts and crafts, and fitness activities keep seniors in good shape both mentally and physically. If a nursing home fails to offer these or other activities, residents will experience a reduced quality of life. Additionally, it is important for homes to offer early activities to ensure residents get out of bed at a reasonable time.
Poor staff-to-resident ratios
A quality nursing home will have enough staff members to address residents’ needs in a timely manner. A general rule of thumb states that a nursing home or facility should have the capability to afford care, from feeding to providing medication, within two to three hours during a 24-hour period. If residents must wait long periods after signaling for help, it is often a bad sign.
Bad odors in the facility
Elderly people with mobility issues require assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing and grooming. Odors of urine and other bad smells in a facility typically indicate a neglectful approach to residents, which can lead to worsening health outcomes. For example, bedsores and rashes can have a disastrous effect on a person’s health if not treated properly.