It is exceedingly easy for people to assume that all is well with an elderly relative, especially if that relative is currently residing in a nursing home.
If you are one of the people who chose the nursing home, you will have undoubtedly looked for signs that it was comfortable and that your relative was okay with it. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to keep checking in. You will want to ensure that they get the care you were told they would receive and that they deserve. However, it can be hard to know exactly how to ensure that your elderly relative is in good hands.
Read on for some tips on how you can look out for your elderly relative who is in nursing care.
Ask Questions
This is across the board. You need to ask questions to your elderly relative and the staff and these questions should be asked and answered to your satisfaction. Ask if they’re comfortable, or if anything is worrying them. Ask them if they feel secure. Ask your relative how long it takes for them to respond when they pushed the call button. Have they made friends with any of the other residents or members of staff? And also, be sure to ask the staff how your relative is behaving in the home. If you don’t feel like they are being appropriately cared for in their current home based on these answers, then consider moving them to an alternative nursing home in Princeton NJ.
Talk To Staff
Talking to staff will include asking the questions mentioned above, but try to inquire about what is going on. Ask how often they are going out or how often they are engaging in activities. Enquire about medications that they may be giving to your relative or any illnesses or injuries they may have received while in the home.
Inspect The Premises
You will have scoped out the nursing home, but you will need to check for certain things. Are the common areas and the rooms clean, as well as your relatives’ clothes? Are the lighting and temperature good? It is common for those who are elderly in nursing homes to require a slightly higher temperature as many of them suffer from blood pressure issues or feel cold. Are there any odors in the hallways that you would not expect to be there?
Attend Meetings
There will be meetings for you to attend with the staff and your relative. They may include a medication review or change or discussions around diagnostics of ailments like dementia. Be sure to attend these meetings as and when you can so that you are up to speed on the latest developments in their care.
Observe
Keep an eye out for how your elderly relative acts when you visit them. Do they shy away from a certain member of staff? Or do they feel confident asking for help? Of course, keep an eye out for signs that their clothes aren’t dirty. Also, be sure to look at their arms and their legs, too, if you can. If there are signs of bruising or cuts, always inquire as to the origin of these injuries.
