When your loved one lives in a nursing home, you want to make sure that he or she receives excellent care. Sometimes, nursing homes may not deliver the quality care that you expect. When this happens, you may need to step in.
If you suspect there is a problem, there are a few steps you should take.
Pay a visit
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, you should go to the nursing home and spend some time with your loved one. If you think he or she looks thinner than usual, stop by at mealtime. Does your loved one get enough to eat? Is the food nutritious? Watch the way that the staff members interact with your loved one. Are they respectful? Do they make sure that your family member receives all of his or her medication? If you have any concerns, speak to the staff members.
Contact the director
You should set up a meeting with the directors of the nursing home. Explain the problems that you noticed and ask how the staff members plan to fix them. Responsible directors should listen to your concerns and ensure that the problems do not continue. Subsequent visits to the facility may demonstrate that the staff members are taking better care of your loved one.
Sometimes, though, you may leave this meeting feeling unsatisfied with the answers you received. If you do not think that the nursing home director will fix the situation, you may need to take more serious action.
Contact the ombudsmen
An ombudsman investigates allegations of maladministration at nursing homes. You should speak to this official and explain your concerns with the facility and the staff. The ombudsman can go to the nursing home to make sure that the director and staff adequately resolve the problems.
In some situations, you may want to find a new nursing home for your loved one so that he or she can receive better care.