You’ve always known your parent to be independent, rational and full of life. Slowly, dementia has taken those qualities away from your parent, and together with your parent’s doctors, your family has decided that the time has come to select a Kentucky nursing home for your parent. How do you do this? How do you know that the nursing home that you select will take good care of your parent, respect your parent, and keep your parent safe when your parent can’t effectively communicate with you?
Choosing a Nursing Home for a Person with Dementia Is an Important Task
You can’t prevent all incidents of possible abuse or neglect when deciding on a nursing home, but you may be able to lower your loved one’s chances of being injured. Accordingly, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests that you do the following when choosing a nursing home:
- Visit and trust your instincts. Look at whether the place is well cared for, how friendly the staff members are, the appearance of the residents, and the overall noise level, for example.
- Ask questions and think carefully about the answers.
- Consider the location. Will you and other family members be able to visit regularly?
- Consider the security measures that are in place. Will your parent be kept from wandering or getting lost?
- Consider the types of behavioral issues the home is prepared to handle.
- Consider the circumstances under which you may be asked to move or transfer your parent.
- Find out whether there is a Special Care Unit for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- Inquire about how things such as meals and activities are handled and whether your parent will be able to have choices and participate.
- Consider any other things that may be important to your parent’s safety and happiness.
Dementia is life changing, but your parent deserves to continue living comfortably despite his or her illness.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.