Having parents or an elderly relative with declining health may require them to live in a Georgia nursing home. Checking on them periodically to ensure that they are being treated right is essential, especially with the lack of thorough inspections in these facilities over the past year. Nursing homes must meet specific federal guidelines and requirements. Unfortunately, a backlog can build up quickly before a facility has an official inspection.
Staying informed can help you spot the signs of abuse or neglect
A backlog for inspections began in 2020 with the suspension of standard surveys in nursing homes. Even after the ban was lifted, a significant number of inspections had not been completed. With this delay in place, personally ensuring that there is no neglect occurring is critical. Taking this action requires visiting your loved one in the facility and looking for common signs of abuse or neglect, such as the following:
- Open bed sores
- Unexplained injuries or weight loss
- Dirty conditions
- Sudden change in mood or other peculiar behaviors
- Bruises
The importance of family visits
Visiting the nursing home and making sure no abuse or neglect is occurring by staff members or other residents is an important trip to take. Finding any of the telltale signs above is a red flag that should be investigated. Typically, the signs will be prominent and readily apparent. However, it’s a good idea to talk with your loved one and make sure they are happy and as healthy as possible.
With the lack of official inspections to ensure that nursing home residents are being treated correctly, it’s up to you to ensure that no significant problems are occurring. Knowing if your loved one is being treated appropriately is essential and worth completing yourself due to a recent lack of official reviews.