For Your Loved One’s Sake: Florida Nursing Home Assessment Tips

For many, the placement of a loved one into a Florida nursing home or assisted care facility is difficult. It can seem like a nearly impossible decision, riddled with the worry of whether your loved one will be properly cared for. Unfortunately, Florida nursing home neglect and abuse does occur.

If your loved one has suffered from Florida nursing home abuse or neglect, please order a copy of Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorney Evan Fetterman’s book, Smart Lawyers, Smart Clients – Wear Clean Underwear, for FREE.

In order to help you choose a Florida assisted care facility for your loved one, the Palm Beach nursing home neglect lawyers at Fetterman & Associates have compiled a list of tips to help you with your search. By following these tips, you will be more confident in your Florida assisted care facility decision.

Do not be swayed by new facilities, nice furniture or a wealth of activities for the residents. Although these can be desirable features, the health and safety of your loved one is more important than at attractive facility. You should consider the following when analyzing a facility:

Timing – Time your visits for varying times of the day and week. Facilities usually look nice in the morning, when staffing is adequate. By visiting in the evening or on weekends, you are likely to see a true representation of the facility.

Smells – The facility should be clean and free of strong smells like urine or feces. It should also not smell strongly of cleaning solvents, as this may be a warning sign that the facility is trying to cover up smells.

Restricted Access – Are there areas which are restricted to only residents and staff? If there are areas which you are not allowed to view, avoid the facility.

Resident Cleanliness and Demeanor– When touring the facility, be sure to talk to residents, including those who are bedridden or wheelchair bound. Pay attention to their hair, nails, skincare and oral care. Do they look well-kept? How is their demeanor? Do they seem happy and upbeat, or do they seem depressed?

Meal Times – Mealtime evaluations are very important. Observe how the food is being served and handled. Is the food warm? Are the residents given an adequate amount to eat? Do they seem healthy and satisfied? Also be sure to visit patients who are eating in bed. Are they eating alone, or are there aides to help them? Do the aides seem rushed and stressed, going from room to room?

Water – Do residents have access to fresh, clean drinking water in their rooms and throughout the facility? Are water pitchers clean and filled with fresh ice water? Are residents able to serve themselves, or are there aides available to help them?

Staffing –Ask about the staffing level for each shift. How many nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are on duty? Compare this to the number of residents, paying close attention to the number of residents who are wheelchair bound, bedridden or require total care for their daily activities, such as toileting, bathing, grooming, eating and drinking.

State Survey – Medicare regulations require that the facility have the latest version of the state survey readily available for viewing. Read it thoroughly and note the concerns that were addressed.

Family Members – If possible, speak with others who have family members in the facility. Are they satisfied with the care their loved one is receiving? Do they have any concerns, or have they experienced any problems?

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse in Florida, you need to contact a Palm Beach nursing home neglect lawyer to help them. Call Fetterman & Associates at (888) 819-4770 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.