Unsafe living conditions at a Florida nursing home can subject residents to a number of serious health risks. If you are considering moving a senior loved one into a nursing home or if you want to look into the home your relative currently lives in, there are a number of signs that may tell you if a home is not safe for your relative.
As NextAvenue explains, nursing homes must be clean. Nursing home caregivers should provide their residents with clean clothing and change residents who cannot put on and discard clothing on their own. Nursing homes should also give residents clean bedding. Seniors that constantly rest in soiled garments and bed sheets run the risk of infection and other health problems.
Also pay attention to the common area of the home. These are areas where residents gather to watch television, eat meals and socialize with each other. Staffers should keep these areas clean, not just to prevent buildup of dirt and molds that could cause disease, but to remove trip and fall hazards, like spilled liquids or debris on the floor.
Nursing homes should also be safe for residents to navigate in. Many seniors require aid while using the bathroom, so while checking the restrooms, look for grab bars on the walls and around the toilets. Shower rooms should possess similar measures. To help prevent slipping and falling, shower room floors should have a non-stick surface.
A major red flag that something is wrong is when residents appear malnourished or dehydrated. Nursing home residents depend on the staff to provide them with a proper meal, and some seniors may require assistance to eat. A malnourished senior may be a sign that the staff is not giving their residents the food and liquids they need.
Residents with injuries are another cause for concern. Many nursing home residents need help to get in and out of bed. If they are neglected, they may try to handle things themselves, which increases the chances of falls. This can lead to broken bones, bruises, or injuries to the head. Neglected residents might also have emotional problems, such as depression.
This article is written to provide readers with general information on this topic. Do not interpret it as medical or legal advice for your situation.
