The moment when your elderly loved one accepts the need to leave their home is always rife with emotion. On the one hand, this is a sad day. But, if you’ve been worried about their solo safety for a while, then it probably also comes as a relief. Finally, you’ll be able to stop worrying about falls or forgetfulness, and can instead find them the best care.
But what if that isn’t actually the case? Unfortunately, around two-thirds of care staff admit to witnessing some form of patient abuse. Not to mention that many care homes prioritize profits over residents, while others are simply too short-staffed to offer quality care.
This is why research and home visits are so crucial before you even consider a care home. But what red flags should you look out for? Keep reading as we consider.
# 1 – Previous Abuse Claims
There is one clear red flag when it comes to choosing a care home, and that’s a known history of abuse claims. Unfortunately, you won’t always be able to tell if there are unverified accusations against a home you’re considering, but there are ways to see if a home has been successfully sued for anything from outright abuse to neglect claims about bed sores in nursing homes, and beyond. This is especially easy to check via the Medicare Care Compare tool, which displays a clear abuse signal (a red hand) next to homes that are guilty of this. You can also check state-level inspection reports by finding your state’s health department or licensing board, information about which can be found online.
# 2 – Rushed Approval
Care homes are obviously keen to attract quality residents, but that should never mean a rushed approval process. If a care home attempts to pressure you into accepting a place (e.g., ‘we’ll need your decision by the end of today to secure this room’), then it suggests they don’t want you digging too deeply before choosing. Equally, it always pays to be wary of a home that shows a willingness to accept your loved one without thorough pre-assessment. After all, it’s the home’s responsibility to consider whether it can meet each resident’s care needs. If they’re not doing that, then there’s a high chance they won’t be able to keep your loved one safe.
# 3 – Poor Organization
Sometimes, red flags are also as subtle as obviously poor organization. For instance, you might notice that it’s difficult to book a visit, or that no one seems prepared for your arrival when you do show up. Or, perhaps you notice people rushing around or residents who are left unattended for extended periods, as you walk around. These are sure signs that a care home is either poorly run or seriously understaffed, neither of which is a risk worth taking where your loved one is involved.
Choosing a care home can be difficult, but you can narrow down that list by simply discounting homes that fly any of these red flags.
