Sadly, rampant neglect and abuse exist in assisted living facilities nationwide. When one or both of your parents move into a nursing home, you likely worry about their care and safety.
One of the best ways to handle any nursing home complaints your parent voices is to stay involved in their care.
Investigate common issues.
Before filing a formal complaint with the nursing home, investigate common complaints: food, roommate incompatibility and lost possessions. Reputable nursing homes may already have protocols in place for handling these issues. For example, if your parent reports having roommate problems assess whether unresolvable conflicts genuinely exist. Most facilities will try to accommodate reasonable roommate requests.
Attend important meetings.
Attending activities with your parent and the residents and visiting during mealtimes may help your loved one integrate into their new community and reduce boredom. Also, observe the staff meeting to review your parent’s care plan. Use this focused time to ask questions and raise any red flags you or your parent may have.
Serious problems to look out for include weight loss, poor personal hygiene, bedsores, overmedication or physical restraints.
Build rapport with nursing home staff.
Get to know the nursing aides and other staff during your visits. Thank them for their hard work and get to know them personally. You can also help the workers better understand your loved one’s preferences and quirks. In the long run, you will have a positive relationship with several employees inside the nursing home who can help ensure your parent’s safety.
Overall, staying involved with your parent’s nursing home care and helping them address their complaints can help prevent future negligence and abuse.