Locating a suitable nursing home for your senior loved one requires a great deal of research and perseverance. Not only must you pay mind to care, comfort, and budget, but you must also keep an eye out for reports and signs of nursing home negligence or abuse. While every facility is unique in their own way, there are some key features to look for when assessing your options. Below, the La Crosse, WI, attorneys at Egan & Richgels, S.C. explain how to find the best nursing home for your spouse, parent, or grandparent.

An Attorney’s Guide to Finding the Best Nursing Home

1. Hop Online

Go on the internet and search for nursing homes near you or in the area where your loved one resides. Read online testimonials, and look for any reports of nursing home negligence or abuse that have been filed against prospective facilities. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or requires special care, make sure the facility is equipped to handle their needs.

2. Give Them a Call

Once you have found several facilities, call each of them to schedule a tour. Pay mind to the way the staff answers the phone and addresses your questions while taking notes on the information they provide you.

3. Pay a Visit

No amount of online research can compare to what you see, hear, and smell when touring a nursing home. Come prepared with a list of questions, and be mindful of your surroundings. Request to see living quarters, medical facilities, common rooms, and the dining hall. Pay attention to the demeanor of the staff as well as of the current residents. Do the residents appear happy, clean, and well attended to, or depressed, disheveled, and bored? Count the nurses and attendees to assess whether there is an adequate staff-to-resident ratio.

4. Sit In

Ask to sit in on a meal or social activity. Pick a spot towards the back of the room, and observe the residents and staff during the course of a normal day. Take notes on what you see, and address any concerns you may have with the head of the facility.

5. Visit Again

Consider making an unannounced second visit to the facility to see whether there is any change. If things seem off from your first visit, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, no amount of research can guarantee your loved one’s safety. If your spouse, parent, or grandparent has been a victim of nursing home negligence or abuse, the personal injury law attorneys at Egan & Richgels, S.C. are available to help. Backed by nearly 40 years of experience, their legal professionals have you covered for the compassionate, professional, and aggressive representation you need to obtain the justice and compensation your loved one deserves. Contact the firm online, or call (608) 784-0087 to schedule your free consultation.