HEALTHY LIVING
immune systems.” Staff turnover. One of the signs to
look for is how often there is a change of certified nursing aides in the facility. According to research, high
nursing staff turnover is an important indicator of quality care, with rates often reaching 100% annually, meaning the nursing aide who is attending to your loved one may be gone within a year. Social enrichment. When you visit a
Beware of Nursing Home Red Flags
Do your homework when looking for right facility. ::
BY LYNN C. ALLISON W
e’ve all heard horror stories about what can happen in nursing homes, from
substandard care to outright abuse of the elderly. That’s why it is so important to do
your homework when looking for the right facility for yourself or a loved one. It is critical to visit a nursing home to see, hear, and observe the staff and residents firsthand. According to U.S. News & World
Report, one way to winnow the search is by using websites like Care Compare provided by Medicare. This handy tool gives information
and ratings for nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other facilities in your area. U.S. News also has a
comprehensive list of 15,000 nursing homes to help you find the best care for your loved one. Check online
80 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | FEBRUARY 2025
reviews to see how others have rated the facility. But a personal visit may be one of
the best ways to evaluate if a nursing home is right for you. Pay attention to the following information about the facilities, and watch out for these red flags: Infections and death. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2018 estimated that there were 1.3 million nursing home residents and up to 3 million infections every year in senior care facilities. Common infections include
COVID-19, MRSA, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, norovirus, Clostridium difficile (C. diff), and scabies. Dr. Gary Small, behavioral health
physician in chief at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, suggests watching the staff in action when touring a nursing facility. “Do they wash their hands before
and after handling a patient?” he asks. “If they don’t, this poses an infection risk, which is a big concern for older adults with weakened
facility, learn about the activities that are offered to residents to encourage healthy socialization. According to the CDC, people who lack socialization are 50% more likely to develop dementia. Small adds that it is also important to have outdoor activities that improve the quality of life. Check for complaints. State agencies that license and certify nursing homes inspect each facility annually. Ask for a copy of that report to see if the home complies with federal or state standards. Be vigilant in your personal
inspection to note if the residents appear to be well cared for and don’t have any bruises or other signs of potential abuse. You can also ask to see copies of any complaint investigations. Medicare nursing home checklist.
Filling out Medicare’s checklist as you visit each facility will help clarify your choices. In addition, make sure that the
facility has accessibility for people with disabilities, is clean and fresh- smelling, and appears to foster warm interaction between staff and residents. Visit at mealtime. If there is
a dining room, is it clean and attractive? Is the food appetizing, and will the kitchen staff handle special meal requests? Don’t be afraid to request a taste test for yourself. Costs and contracts. Will Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term insurance pay for any of these costs? See if the facility offers a financial assistance office to help you navigate the expenses.
DIEGO_CERVO©ISTOCK
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