by Margaux Sky

Created on: December 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 24, 2010

One doesn't suspect the worst will happen when admitting a loved one into a nursing home. Sadly, the evils of the abuse and injuries are sometimes not obvious until much damage has been done and sometimes that damage is irreversible. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual traumas erupt and attempts to deplete financial gains of a nursing home resident are all common ills that run rampant in certain of these care-giving organizations.

Deprived procedures repeatedly occur in nursing homes and these shoddy procedures can often be credited to corporations that snap shut the change purse attempting saving money for the corporation. Thus, when facilities do not have the financial means to provide the very best services, results of a facility being understaffed with inexperienced, improperly trained staff and employees failing to supervise and provide proper care for the residents arises.

When choosing a nursing home for a loved one, it is of crucial importance to examine the facility you're considering. Inspect and examine an intended facility by popping in to visit, but do not announce your intention to visit beforehand. Pop in unexpectedly one day during the week and ask to speak to the admissions director. Observe how this person responds to your sudden arrival and ask all questions on your mind, leaving nothing unanswered. Show up unexpected again on a weekend and again an evening during the week.

Look for awkward behaviors in the staff and residents. Speak with as many members of the staff as possible. Question the employees and get a good sense of their personalities and the warmth they do or do not exude to each other, the residents, and you. Notice if the facility and its staff are clean, friendly, and alert. Rely heavily on your gut instinct. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, consider these emotions and carry on looking for another facility.

Nursing home abuse and injury causes are frightening realities. You hope for proper care of your loved one, pay good money to ensure that your loved one will be treated with respect and consideration, and trust the staff to follow through on providing the absolute best for your loved one.

Nobody wants to worry that a loved one might be going through some of these awful conditions sadly synonymous with nursing facilities:

* Bedsores

* Bruising on wrists and ankles indicating restraints

* Odors of urine or feces

* Poor personal hygiene

* Excessive weight loss / pale complexion

* Inability to explain awful appearance

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