Facility Safety
If the time comes when your loved one needs to be cared for in a facility setting you need to be just as concerned about their safety as you would if they were in your own home. Much of the responsibility is on the shoulders of the operators of the facility but it is ultimately up to you to survey a prospective facility and see for yourself how it is managed and what provisions have been made for the safety and care of your loved one.
A good place to start your study is the Nursing Home Care website maintained by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid. This site is always old with its information but it will give you a sense of what kinds of problems have been reported for a particular facility. Once you have narrowed your search dwn to one or two facilities it is time for a physical inspection. here are some key points to consider:
Fire Safety - does the facility have a written fire safety and escape plan?
- what condition are the fire escapes in?
- if there is a second (or higher floor) what provisions are made for transport of patients? (is there an emergency slide, dedicated power to an certain elevator or ??)
Electrical Safety - in the room is there adequate lighting?
- are there extension cords in use? (not good)
- are electric controls on beds, lights, call buttons etc. functioning properly? Do light switches work or are there motion sensor switches instead?
Fall Safety - what condition are the floors in?
- are there any trip hazards present in either the room or hallways?
- are the grab bars in the bathroom well secured and placed appropriately. Is the finish on these bars in good condition? What procedures are in place to deal with falls?
To learn if TCFOA has been able to inspect and rate a facility, contact us at 808-625-3782 or email us at pacconltd@yahoo.com.