People place their elderly loved ones in the care of certain facilities with the expectation that the facility and its staff will diligently take care of and look after them. Unfortunately, some facilities fall short of this mandate, which can create hazardous conditions for those aging family members.
When this happens, families may be able to seek some recourse by filing a claim. In order for a claim to be successful, claimants typically must prove that the care facility is in poor condition or that staff treats the loved one poorly.
There are certain characteristics that could be indicative of poor care. These can be important things for families to watch out for.
Lack of Communication
When facility staff members avoid speaking to the family of residents or do not address their questions and inquiries head-on, this may be a sign that they are hiding something. Family members deserve and should expect direct answers, even if the answer is that the staff member needs to check into something or observe the situation. If family members have trouble communicating with one staff member, they may try contacting another staff member or management. If they are still not receiving answers, it may be necessary to escalate the situation.
Staff Issues
New Mexico’s legislation clearly denotes the requirements for the establishment and operations of nursing homes and care facilities. The facility and staff members themselves are required to uphold certain standards of care. When the facility lacks in this department, it can show in the staff. Therefore, if people notice that the facility seems understaffed or there is a high turnover, this may be a sign of deeper issues.
Unhappy Residents
Some elderly residents may be vocal about poor treatment, while others may display it in their physical disposition, such as seeming scared or depressed. It is important that family members be aware of the signs and seek clarity.
These are a few of the most common indicators of poor care at a nursing home or care facility. Family members who believe a loved one is getting poor care may want to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to determine the best course of action.