Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one is never easy. For many families in Georgia, the hope is that residents will receive adequate care and thrive socially and emotionally. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and issues with nursing home neglect or inadequate care can surface. Visiting nursing homes regularly allows families to stay informed and detect red flags before they worsen.
It can also help you detect changes in your loved one’s condition, spot potential abuse or neglect, and ensure their relative’s well-being. With numerous options available for senior living, families should conduct thorough research and remain engaged.
How should you evaluate nursing homes before making a choice?
Consider using reputable websites to compare nursing homes in your area. Medicare’s Nursing Home Lookup offers insights into quality metrics for long-term care facilities. The Georgia Department of Public Health offers various resources, including a database of licensed health facilities in Georgia.
Read online reviews carefully. While official ratings provide valuable information, online reviews can reveal specific experiences from residents and their families. If you see recurring issues or a pattern of complaints, consider it a red flag. Medicare.gov flags nursing homes with histories of abuse with a distinctive icon—a white hand within a red circle—so avoid these facilities when possible.
What signs should you look for during a nursing home visit?
Here's what to look for in a Georgia nursing home:
High rates of infections
Infections can be a serious problem in nursing homes due to residents’ weaker immune systems and close quarters. Common infections include MRSA, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and COVID-19. Observe staff practices during visits: are they washing their hands and using gloves appropriately? Neglecting these protocols increases residents’ infection risks.
Slow response times to call lights
Call lights are the lifelines for nursing home residents. Every resident should have their call light within reach, giving them access to help when needed. Take note of whether lights are left unanswered for long periods. Slow response times could indicate understaffing or inadequate care.
Low staffing levels and high turnover
A well-staffed nursing home significantly reduces residents’ risk of issues like pressure sores, infections, and unmanaged pain. Ask the facility about its nurse-to-resident and aide-to-resident ratios and how they handle staff absences. Adequate staffing ensures residents receive timely assistance and attention.
High turnover among certified nursing aides, which often exceeds 100% yearly, can negatively impact a resident’s experience. Consistent caregivers become familiar with residents’ needs and personalities. If staff are frequently replaced, caregivers may miss important signs of a resident’s decline. Additionally, ask if medical staff are available on-site at all hours, and check for emergency procedures.
Lack of social activities
Social activities are important for seniors’ mental and emotional well-being. Without it, they're at an increased risk of dementia and other health issues. During visits, observe whether residents participate in activities such as arts and crafts, low-impact exercise, or dining together. Quality nursing homes offer a range of activities and encourage social interactions among residents.
Additionally, access to outdoor spaces has been shown to improve quality of life for seniors. Check if the nursing home provides secure, accessible outdoor areas where residents can get fresh air.
Poor responses to complaints
Every state requires annual inspections of licensed nursing homes. These inspections ensure facilities follow federal and state standards, and they investigate complaints filed by residents or family members. Ask the facility for a copy of its latest inspection report. High numbers of unresolved complaints may indicate chronic issues with care.
Poor cleanliness and food quality
A clean environment is essential for residents’ health. Dirty rooms, full trash cans, and soiled linens suggest a lack of quality control and may contribute to illness. Older adults are more susceptible to infections. During visits, assess the cleanliness of common areas and individual rooms.
The nursing home should also accommodate special diets, whether low-sodium, lactose-free, or gluten-free. If you notice food is unappetizing or improperly prepared, it may signal poor management in the kitchen and a disregard for residents’ nutritional needs.
Evasive and disrespectful staff
Staff should be open and respectful to family members’ questions and provide clear answers about a resident’s care. Uncooperative or dismissive responses could indicate a lack of accountability. During visits, ask questions about your loved one’s care plan, pain management, and daily activities.
Watch for unresponsive residents
Unresponsive residents could be overmedicated to reduce challenging behaviors. Some nursing homes misuse antipsychotic drugs as a shortcut for handling residents with dementia. Ask staff how they handle “difficult” residents and if they have protocols for de-escalating situations without overmedicating.
“No lift” policies
Many nursing homes now have “no lift” policies, meaning staff don’t lift fallen residents to avoid staff injuries. Instead, they call emergency services to assist. While this policy protects staff, it can delay care for residents and strain local emergency resources. Ask if the nursing home has fall-prevention equipment like bed alarms and Hoyer lifts to address fall-related risks effectively. Also, inquire about fall prevention protocols and training for caregivers.
Contact a Georgia nursing home neglect lawyer for help
The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Johnson Greer Law Group in Decatur, Georgia, know how heartbreaking it is to see a family member mistreated in a place where they should feel safe. When nursing home abuse and neglect lead to severe injuries and lasting trauma, our legal team is here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Our experienced attorneys know how to investigate these cases, uncover the truth, and fight for justice on behalf of families like yours.
Our case results include:
$405,000 for abuse and neglect in assisted living/nursing facility.
$300,000 for elder abuse and wrongful death recovery.
$270,000 for nursing home and hospital neglect recovery.
Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on supporting your loved one. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll discuss how we can help bring justice and peace to your family.