The Right Questions to Ask in Nursing Homes to Protect Your Loved Ones

A nursing home advocate can make a huge difference in the quality of life for your loved one. In many cases, residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are disproportionately affected by the flu, pneumonia, COVID 19, and other contagious diseases. According to the American Family Physician Journal, a flu outbreak in a nursing home often affects 20 percent or more of the residents.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, AARP has identified specific questions that you should ask about the facility. These questions help ensure the safety of your family member.

Inquire About Vaccinations

• What proportion of staff and residents are up to date on regular vaccinations? Compare vaccination rates at any Medicare-certified nursing home with state and national averages.
• How does the facility educate staff and residents about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness?
• What access to vaccines do residents have?

Ask About Recent Infectious Disease Cases

• Has anyone at the facility tested positive for any infectious disease recently, including staff, residents, visitors, vendors, maintenance workers, and others with access?
• How many people, if any, have tested positive?
• What testing protocols does the facility use for symptomatic individuals?

Understand Outbreak Prevention Measures

• What screening protocols does the facility use for staff and other people entering the facility?
• How does the facility handle positive cases after identification? Do staff quarantine at home, and do residents move into isolation units?
• What sanitation protocols are in place, and how often does the facility implement them?
• What social distancing measures are in place, and what precautions apply for residents with roommates?

Maintain Communication With Family and Loved Ones

• What infection control measures apply to visitors?
• Does nursing home staff help residents contact loved ones by phone or video?
• Does the facility provide a regular schedule for communication with family and loved ones?

Ensure Clear Communication During Outbreaks

• If an infectious disease outbreak occurs, how quickly does the facility notify residents, families, or representatives?
• How does the facility share this information?

Check Staffing Levels and Support

• Is the nursing home fully staffed with doctors, nurses, aides, and other workers?
• If staffing shortages occur, what backup plans does the facility use to ensure resident needs are met? This should include bathing, feeding, physical therapy, medication management, and social engagement.

Ask About Healthy Living Programs

• Does the facility adapt communal activities for social distancing, including exercise, entertainment, and socialisation?
• Which services, if any, are currently suspended?

If you have a spouse, parent, sibling, or other loved one living in a nursing home, they depend on you to advocate for their protection and well-being. Asking the right questions helps ensure that their nursing home facility or long-term care services prioritise their health.

We hope you found this article helpful.

Contact our Auburn office at 260-925-3738 to create a legacy care plan that harmonises its moving parts, so the gears will work together and you will leave the legacy you intended.