Many people have an unpleasant picture in their minds as to what life in a nursing home is like. While it’s true that some nursing homes continue to live down to the stereotypes, the fact is that nursing homes are highly regulated these days, and many provide excellent care for residents. If, after your search for the appropriate nursing home, you find the care to be negligent or abusive, consulting with a local attorney who specialized in these institutions may be worthwhile.
Who Lives at SC Nursing Homes?
While nearly 50 percent of nursing home residents are over age 85, the majority ranges in age from 65-84; only a handful are younger. Roughly three-fourths of residents are women, the majority widowed, divorced, or never married.
Reasons to Consider an SC Nursing Home
People move to nursing homes for a variety or reasons, but the most common one is that they have trouble handling daily activities without assistance. Four out of five residents require help attending to daily activities such as dressing themselves, bathing, or eating. Some are able to walk, but need supervision or assistance. Many also have difficulty with vision, hearing and other functions.
But physical limitations are only part of the story. Many individuals in nursing homes—up to 70 percent, in fact, battle with issues related to dementia. Over 75 percent struggle to make daily decisions, and over 65 percent forget where they are from time to time or have other memory problems.
What SC Nursing Homes Offer
While number of factors may play into the question of whether or not nursing home care is the right choice for your loved one, it is worth understanding precisely what nursing homes have to offer: skilled nurses and physicians available to assist with a variety of medical complaints, from orthopedic problems to intravenous therapies and breathing treatments. Short-term occupational therapy or wound care may be necessary for some patients who are recovering from an accident. And some patients may require respite care, hospice attention, or other end-of-life services. Beyond medical care, nursing homes are able to provide nutritious meals, recreational activities, companionship, and social work services.
The Right Home for Your Loved One
Finding the right care facility is an important decision for many families. As you consider issues such as cost, distance, and comfort, it’s nice to know that Medicaid rates nursing homes in several areas, including staffing, health inspections, and quality of care. They consider the nurse to patient ratios, and the number of aides, therapists, and other caregivers. Fires safety is evaluated, as well as evacuation procedures designed to deal with other types of emergencies. They look at patient care, and whether or not residents required emergency services, reported high levels of pain, or experienced pressure ulcers.
When You Suspect Problems, call a Greenville Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If your loved one is not getting the care they deserve, the nursing home may be guilty of more than just ethical lapses. They may face legal consequences. To discuss your concerns, contact Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm in Greenville today for a free, confidential consultation.