Choosing a nursing home or personal care community for your loved one is not easy. Ensuring that the facility is safe and will offer the level of care the senior requires is vital. There are warning signs that can indicate that a facility may not be ideal and that neglect may be present. The following are red flags when choosing senior nursing homes in North Richland Hills, TX.
Poor Online Reviews
Online research makes it easy to get information about any service or facility. One of the best ways to find a good personal care community is by reading online reviews. While it is not unusual to find one bad-quality review, if this is a pattern, you should be worried.
Unsafe Location/Neighborhood
Safety and security are vital factors when looking for a community where your loved one can retire. Ensure that you get a facility in a safe location, especially if your loved one requires memory care. If the neighborhood is unsafe, it is a red flag that you should not ignore.
A Facility in Poor Condition
It is a good idea to visit a facility before you make the final decision. If the place is run-down or dirty, it is a red flag. Check if the buildings need repair, or if the facility is not well maintained. This can indicate low funding or lack of interest on the part of the administrators.
Unsafe Living Conditions
Look out for unsafe conditions such as loose railings, beds that are too high, unsafe bathrooms, poor lighting and call buttons that do not work. Check the interior and exterior for any issues or conditions that can lead to an unsafe environment.
Poor Quality Meals
Good nutrition is vital for maintaining senior health. Find out the type of food served at the facility regularly. Low-quality meals can be a sign of a poorly-funded facility that is not able to provide adequate care for the residents.
Overly Noisy Environment
Living in an overly noisy environment is unpleasant for most people, especially for seniors. The best facilities provide a comfortable, safe and pleasant environment for residents. A loud environment is a red flag.
Lack of Privacy
Just because they need assistance does not mean they want to have their privacy invaded. If the rooms do not have areas where residents can secure their belongings, they are susceptible to theft or financial abuse.
Inflexible Visiting Hours
If you cannot visit your loved one in a senior nursing home at any time, this can be a red flag. If visiting hours are inflexible, you must ask yourself whether the facility has something to hide and do not want to be caught unprepared.
No designated Activities
If the residents do not have access to indoor or outdoor activities it can affect their physical and mental health. People have a right to access areas where they can socialize, relax and get exercise, which can impact their well-being.
Lack of Prompt Assistance
If call lights are going unanswered, or if residents cannot access the help they require when they need it, it is a red flag. It can indicate a lack of adequate team members and a poor level of care.
