If loved ones are no longer able to live safely on their own, trusting their care to someone else can be difficult. Jacksonville, FL retirement home professionals offer these questions to ensure that your loved one is getting the care that he or she deserves.
Many of these questions can be brought up to Oasis Senior Advisors – Jacksonville, FL and they can help you choose the best facility for your loved one’s needs.
1. Is the Home Adequately Staffed?
Ask the retirement home staff if they work a great deal of overtime and double shifts. If so, it can indicate short staffing, which affects patient care. Ask the director about the staffing ratios. If you believe your loved one is being neglected because of poor staffing ratios, you can file a complaint with your state agency.
2. How Do Residents Spend Their Days?
Crowds of residents circling the retirement home nurses’ station or watching people come and go is actually a good sign. A quality nursing home provides a daily calendar of activities. If your loved one is room-bound, activities should be brought to him or her.
3. How Is a Fall Handled?
Unfortunately, falls can happen. However, it’s important to watch how the retirement home staff reacts. Did they look for injuries? Did they help the person get up? Was he or she checked for developing injuries later in the shift? How did you learn about the fall? You should be contacted immediately and then meet with the staff to determine why the fall happened and if any changes need to be made.
4. Are There Bedsores?
Bedsores are often unavoidable, particularly with sick and frail patients. The concern lies with patients who can get up and who haven’t refused food suddenly developing bedsores. Find out why they aren’t moving around. If your loved one is confined to a bed, ask how frequently he or she is rotated.
5. Are Personal Care Requirements Being Met?
If your parent is incontinent, how often are his or her adult diapers changed? Any personal need must be met consistently.
Contact a senior advisor today for more information about retirement facilities. You can follow them on Google+ for more information.
