Last August, the largest assisted living complex in California was sued for poor care of its senior residents. The lawsuit alleged poor worker training, elderly abuse and mistreatment. Residents of the facility claimed they were left unattended, with little access to clean clothing and nutritious food.
Unsurprisingly, such findings raise concerns about how loved ones will be cared for at an assisted living facility or nursing home. Knowing what to look for and being able to identify potential red flags can help families make an informed decision about which facility best meets their needs.
Visiting facilities at different times of the day, such as during meal times or activities, can help one get a better idea of how they function. Check to see whether all areas are clean, safe and comfortable.
The National Center for Assisted Living recommends speaking with administrators, staff and residents. You can learn a lot about a facility by the people who live and work there. Do the residents seem happy?
Observe how staff interact with current residents and whether they appear genuinely friendly and caring. To feel confident that you or your loved one will be well taken care of, make sure to ask questions about staffing levels. Factors to consider are the daytime and nighttime ratios of staff members to residents, as well as how emergencies are handled.
There are countless other considerations. Bringing a checklist during an assisted living facility or nursing home visit can help ensure all your questions are addressed. Additionally, make sure to check whether the facility is in compliance with local and state licensing requirements. Have any complaints been filed against it? It is possible to check a state-licensed assisted living home’s performance record on the Department of Social Services website.