Nursing Home Policies

Nursing home policies are put into place in an attempt to protect both residents and staff members. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the nursing home you are considering has many different policies and resources in place to prevent neglect, abuse, and other issues. Be sure to look for the following policies in the nursing home that you are considering.

1. Abuse Prevention Policy

There are simple ways to prevent nursing home neglect and abuse. One of the simplest ways is by implementing an abuse prevention policy. So, outlining the rules and consequences of breaking these rules establishes expectations. Residents and staff members know what the home expects of them. As a result, this can reduce neglect and abuse.

2. Care Plan Policy

Another excellent policy to put into place is a care plan policy. This policy should stating that care plans must exist for each resident. Care plans help all staff members understand each resident’s issues and needs. Following a care plan ensures that a resident receives appropriate care at all times. Make sure that the nursing home carefully creates care plans for each resident. These care plans should be modified when necessary.

3. Evacuation Policy

There should be many plans in place to protect your loved one and all other nursing home residents. One such plan is an emergency evacuation plan. Ask about what happens if all residents must leave the building due to a fire or another dangerous event. Does the nursing home have labeled exits and emergency exits? Does the nursing home run fire alarm drills? Having a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan is essential. It will make sure that residents and staff members know what to do to improve safety.

Many nursing homes have a visiting policy that dictates visiting hours and days. This visiting policy should be broad enough to allow you to visit at times that you are available. A visiting policy that prohibits visits during weekends or at night might not be the best choice. Make sure to review the visiting policy before deciding on the home.

4. Complaint Policy

No nursing home is perfect, but how the home handles its imperfections can say a lot about the home. A good nursing home will give every complaint the attention that it deserves. It will listen to complaints from residents, family members, and staff members. Ask about the complaint policy at the home and how previous complaints got handled. You should be sure that if an issue arises, your claims will be validated. The home should make an effort to fix the situation.

5. Preventative Care Policy

You can see how attentive a nursing home is by learning about the home’s preventative care policy. A good nursing home will take precautionary measures to nip health problems in the bud. Specialists should be available to meet with residents. This will ensure that minor health issues do not evolve into large problems. Specialists such as dentists, eye doctors, foot doctors, ear doctors, etc. should be available. The home should have a policy of listening to resident complaints about physical ailments. They should set up appointments with a specialist to provide treatment.

6. Social Service Policies

All nursing homes should have social services available to their residents. This provides quality care for residents. It also provides an outlet in the event that the residents need help. Some common examples of social services include:

• Counseling.
• Improved care.
• Improved living conditions.
• Someone to talk to in the event of neglect or abuse.

If your loved one feels uncomfortable in the home, they should contact social services. Make sure that social services are available to all residents before you decide on a nursing home.

7. Religious Resources Policy

A good nursing home will go above and beyond to provide comfort and help to its residents. One way to do this is by providing religious and spiritual services for all residents. Also, this might include access to:

• Religious texts.
• Religious services.
• Bible study and other group religious activities.
• A religious leader for personal guidance.
• Sacraments.

All residents have the right to pursue their spiritual and religious needs. A policy should be in place protecting these rights.

8. Food Policy

A nutritious food policy should be in place in the nursing home you choose. This policy should promote a healthy lifestyle for all residents. Be sure to take a look at the menus for the coming weeks and months when you visit the nursing home. If possible, tasting the food will also give you an idea of its nutritional value as well as how appealing it is. Make sure that plenty of fruits and vegetables get served. Residents shouldn’t fill up on cheap carbohydrates and sugary snacks

9. Activities Policy

Nursing home residents should have access to a variety of activities. They should be able to pursue various interests and socialize with others. The nursing home should have a good rotation of different activities. This will prevent boredom and give residents the opportunity to try many different activities. Both indoor and outdoor activities should be provided. Some common nursing home activities include:

• Book club.
• Dances.
• Movie night.
• Religious study.
• Yoga.
• Outdoor sports.
• Knitting.
• Cooking.