Placing a Loved One in a Nursing Home
At Garrett Law Office, we know that it is a very difficult decision to place a loved one in an Oklahoma nursing home. Careful consultations with your loved one, family members, and your loved one's doctor are a must. Many long-term care facilities are clean, safe, and staffed by responsible and dedicated professionals. Unfortunately, some facilities are not. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a nursing home for yourself or a loved one:
- Visit every nursing home you are considering. Be very observant when you first walk in by noticing how the facility smells. Does it appear clean and organized? Does the staff seem helpful and attentive to residents? These simple observations will alert you to the conditions that are part of the resident's daily lives.
- Ask to talk with the Administrator or Nursing Director. Ask to see all written policies and guidelines of the facility. Find out whether those policies are actually followed and if they have been violated in the past. Pay close attention when the answers are inconsistent with what you have observed.
- Talk with staff, residents' family members and, if possible, speak with residents who live in the nursing home. This will assist you to judge things for yourself and not by the words of others.
- Ask tough questions such as:
- How many complaints have been filed against this facility in the past 2 years?
- Out of the complaints filed, how many were valid?
- Has this facility been cited in the past two years?
- How many "quality of care" violations have been cited in the past 2 years?
- Has the owner of this facility had other facilities recommended for termination?
- While visiting a facility, ask the Administrator and/or Nursing Director the following questions:
- Can I see the complaints/reports filed against the facility? What types and how many complaints were filed against this nursing home in the past?
- Where do you find your employees?
- What are your hiring policies and guidelines?
- What is the ratio of nurses' aides to residents for the day, evening and late night shifts?
- Are the nurses' aides certified?
- What is the ratio of registered nurses to residents for the day, evening and late night shifts?
- How many residents are chemically or physically restrained? What is the facility policy about the use of restraints?
- How many residents have pressure sores? What do you do to prevent and treat pressure sores?
- What are the administrative steps before a resident can be taken to the hospital for an emergency?
- What types of planned activities are offered to keep residents mentally alert and socially engaging?
We can handle your potential legal case if you are in any of these Oklahoma cities. Even if your city is not listed you may still speak with one of our Oklahoma nursing home abuse attorneys by filling out our contact form or calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400.
Ada, Afton, Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Ardmore, Atoka, Bartlesville, Blackwell, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Chandler, Checotah, Chickasha, Claremore, Clinton, Del City, Duncan, Durant, Edmond, El Reno, Elk City, Enid, Erick, Frederick, Glenpool, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Henryetta, Idabel, Lawton, Locust Grove, Mcalester, Miami, Midwest City, Moore, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Owasso, Pauls Valley, Perry, Ponca City, Poteau, Pryor, Roland, Sallisaw, Sand Springs, Savanna, Shawnee, Stillwater, Stilwell, Stroud, Tahlequah, Tulsa, Vinita, Wagoner, Weatherford, Woodward, Yukon
Copyright © 2006 Garrett Law Office, P.C.
111 W 5th Street | Tulsa, OK 74145
Phone: 918-622-9292 | Fax: 918-549-6794