Top Safety Features to Look for in a Nursing Home

When you are making the choice to move a loved one into a nursing home, safety is probably top of mind. Of course you want them to be happy and love their new home, but as a caretaker, you also want to know that your loved one will be safe and well cared for.

So what are the top safety features to look for in a nursing home? Some are obvious; some are not. Read on to learn more:

1. Take a tour

When you are looking at nursing homes, don’t skip the step of taking a tour. Sure, you can see pictures of happy residents on the nursing home’s Web site but you need to visit to get a feel for the place. This can be difficult if you don’t live nearby, but it really should be done. You should keep an eye out for a well-maintained and clean property. Look at how staff and residents interact – do they seem happy and friendly? Don’t forget to meet with administrators and ASK questions. Make sure they want you to have all the answers you need – and aren’t reluctant to answer your concerns.

And always, trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

2. Check the nursing home’s licensing

These documents should be readily available and given freely upon request. If there are any complaints or issues, there should be a report. You can also see the inspection reports. If there are problems, don’t be afraid to ask how they were handled. You should never be stonewalled when trying to get answers about safety features to look for in a nursing home.

3. Ask about staff training/experience

You want your loved one in the very best hands, so make sure to drill the administration on safety training and procedures. How many staffers are assigned to each resident? Is there a licensed nurse on site 24-7? What are the policies and procedures for medication, emergencies, natural disasters, mental health issues, disputes and safety violations? Also ask about staff turnover. That can be a red flag.

4. Fall prevention

This one can be a bit tricky. But falls can be fatal to the elderly, so finding out how the nursing home prevents falls is crucial. Are the bathrooms equipped with safety bars and other adaptive devices? Are the floors free of hazards like rugs or signs? Make sure the nursing home is up on the latest fall prevention devices and training. These safety features to look for in a nursing home could keep your senior loved one happy – and healthy.

Abbington Assisted Living

At our five Ohio assisted living facilities, Abbington Assisted Living offers health and wellness programming, a one-story design and caring, trained staff available 24-hours-a-day. For more information, visit our Web site or schedule a tour.