On Average, South Carolina Nursing Homes Have Multiple Safety Deficiencies
In an 8-month study conducted by Independent Mail, investigators discovered “more than 1,100 health and fire-safety deficiencies at Upstate nursing homes.” According to the study, recent reports show that, on average, nursing homes in South Carolina fall short of acceptable health and fire safety standards in at least 5 different ways. This is a major concern for families who are seeking secure, nurturing residential environments for aging loved ones.
How to Evaluate a Nursing Home Facility’s Safety Levels
At Christian & Christian, we want to stress the importance of doing everything in your power to ensure your loved one’s safety. Before selecting a nursing home, you should always tour the facility and take notes. Keep an eye out for obvious safety hazards, such as:
- Exposed wiring
- Unsecured rugs/mats/flooring
- Pooling, leaking, or dripping water
- Cluttered walkways
Learn About Prospective Nursing Homes’ Hiring Process
Also be sure to ask good questions regarding the nursing home’s methods for hiring, training, and evaluating employees. Before making a decision on where to house your loved one, there a few things you should definitely ask about, including:
- Background checks: You don’t want just anyone caring for your vulnerable loved one, but some nursing homes will hire just about anyone to do it. Look for a nursing home that puts all employees through background checks, screening for previous abuse, and verification of necessary degrees, licenses, etc. required for their respective positions.
- Record-keeping: Find out what a prospective nursing home does to keep track of medications, bathing, and other necessary aspects of your loved one’s care. When nursing home administrators implement high levels of organization and accountability, your loved one is more likely to receive the proper care and attention they need, and it reduces their risk of being improperly medicated or neglected.
- Surveillance: What is the nursing home’s protocol at night? Many nursing home residents are restless or have conditions like Alzheimer’s that cause them to wander, leave the building, go into other residents’ rooms, etc. Some nursing homes also unwittingly employ predators and abusive caregivers, making it even more essential to ask whether employees and residents are monitored throughout the day and night.
- Complaints process: Understanding a nursing home’s complaints process is essential. How does the nursing home manage complaints from residents? Are they attentive, compassionate, and organized? When family members of residents complain, who fields those complaints and serves as a point of contact? All of these are essential to ensuring your loved one is heard and cared for when you aren’t there and it ensures you understand your options should you encounter a problem with your family member’s care.
Sometimes you aren’t aware of a nursing home’s security shortcomings or negligence until it is too late and your loved one has been hurt as a result. If it happens to you, you’re going to need an attorney’s help to make it right.
Strong, Compassionate Legal Representation for Elders, Caregivers, and Families in Greenville
Our nursing home abuse attorneys in Greenville know how scary it can be to select an assisted living facility. We are also well-acquainted with the abuse that occurs far too often in such homes. Our legal team is here to come alongside you and serve you during this time, and we are the strong advocates you need to hold negligent or abusive nursing home staff members accountable for their failures.
Schedule your free case review by calling (864) 408-8883. You can also send us an email to tell us about your case.