If your loved one is living in a nursing home in Atlanta, you should be aware that the city has a terrible reputation for its treatment of people living in such facilities. According to Reader’s Digest, Atlanta ranks at the top of the list of cities with the worst-rated nursing homes. Atlanta was No. 1 out of 125 cities across the country.
The article reveals that about 60 percent of people who reviewed nursing homes gave Atlanta facilities either one or two stars out of five.
How to find a good nursing home for your loved one
Finding the right nursing home for a parent, grandparent or other loved one can be a difficult and stressful process. The news that Atlanta nursing homes receive poor ratings makes the decision even more challenging for families in Georgia. To help you with the process, here are a few tips to follow when visiting a prospective nursing home:
- Use your senses: Your eyes, ears and nose can help you separate the good from the bad. Does the nursing home look dirty? Do you hear residents complaining, crying or moaning? Does the nursing home reek of urine?
- Ask questions: Talk to the staff and ask them about their hours. Are they working double shifts or putting in a lot of overtime? An overworked staff can affect the quality of the nursing home.
- Look for bruising or any other injuries on residents: While some older people are prone to bruising as their skin becomes more fragile, some black and blue marks can be warning signs of abuse. A finger-shaped bruise on the upper arm or hand-shaped marks on the face or back are tell-tale signs of possible mistreatment.
What are signs that my loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home?
If your loved one is already living in a nursing home, you should be aware of signs of abuse or neglect:
- Bruises or any unexplained injuries
- Changes in personality or sudden mood swings
- Unexplained medical problems
- Rapid weight loss, which may indicate malnutrition
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
What to do if a loved one is being abused or neglected
While it’s understandable that you may feel angry, you should try to stay as calm as possible if you believe a loved one is being abused. You will need to take prompt action to keep your loved one and others in the nursing home safe. You may want to talk to the nursing home immediately, but they may deny any responsibility. Even worse, they might begin destroying evidence and obstructing justice for your loved one.
That’s why your first step should be to contact an experienced attorney. The Law Office of George S. Johnson, LLC has represented families across Georgia who have dealt with abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Attorney Johnson can listen to you and explain your options. Contact us today for a free consultation. Find out how we can help.