Choosing the
Right Facility
Checklist
Search for the facility in the NHAA Watchlist which contains information on homes across the United States with a history of abuse, neglect, or unsafe practices.- Read different reviews about the nursing home on: Glassdoor, Yelp, Google review and other websites. They can offer valuable insight into the care provided to residents, nursing home conditions and work environment.
- Tour the facility. Trust your senses. Pay close attention to the smell of the facility. A strong smell of urine is a sign of a problem. Do residents appear dirty or poorly cared for? Are call lights on with no staff around? These may indicate unsafe conditions.
- Asking the Right Questions:
Ask the facility what is the average ratio of residents to nurse aides on day, evening, night shift, as well as the weekend shifts. If the facility will not give you a direct answer, this is a red flag. Nurse aides provide the vast majority of care in a nursing home. If there are not enough staff they can’t deliver this care. - Survey: Read the most recent state survey result. It should be publicly posted in the nursing home. Ask to see it.
Unresolved
Complaints
Advocating for Change
We understand that families often choose a facility because of its location. Families want to be close, so they can visit and check on their loved one. However, sometimes conditions at a facility are so bad they require you to advocate for a change.
- Meet with the facility management to communicate your concerns.
- Know your rights and regulations
If the facility management is unwilling to correct the problem:
- File a written grievance with facility management (keep a copy).
- Inform the Family Council of your grievance.
- Gather proof. Keep a record of your observations/complaints and take photos where appropriate (keep a copy of everything).
If the facility is still unwilling to correct the problem:
- Ask for the name of the corporate owner and their email.
Email the CEO your concerns. - Call the corporate hotline.
- Call the State and make a complaint.
Finally, if your complaints are still unresolved consider choosing a new facility. See Checklist above.
The Last Option
Feeling
Trapped/Powerless
- Did your loved one suffer abuse or neglect in a nursing home?
- Do you feel trapped with nowhere to turn?
- Do you feel powerless to make a change?
- Were your efforts to resolve complaints unsuccessful or ignored?
- Did the facility or staff give wrong or inaccurate information?
What Can You Do
Call NHAA to discuss your problems. Everyday we deal with families whose loved ones have suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home. Everyday we talk with families who feel trapped and powerless. You can also:
- Fill out our form with your problem
- Email us your story
- It’s not too late to make a difference.
How Can You
Make a Difference
- You can sound the alarm for other vulnerable residents and their families.
- By sharing your story with NHAA, we can inform the community about the care problems at the nursing home where your loved one resided.
- Together we can pressure for change. You are not alone.
