Nursing homes are an inevitable part of many American’s lives. It used to be that aging loved ones would spend the last few years of their life in the homes of family members. However, as the percentage of dual-income families grows, fewer families are able to accommodate the needs of an aging family member. Additionally, people are now living longer than ever, meaning there is a greater need for long-term care. The result is that Maryland nursing homes are caring for more residents than ever.
Choosing a nursing home is a major decision, akin to selecting a school for a child. Families looking to choose a nursing home for a loved one have access to a fair amount of information, including the safety statistics from each home. However, nursing homes will not often inform prospective residents about these tools. While there is a significant amount of information online, it is best to personally visit the home to get a feel for how residents are treated.
Below is a list of factors that Maryland families should consider when selecting a nursing home for their loved one:
- Verify the facility’s rating – The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency tasked with overseeing nursing home safety. The agency maintains a website where prospective residents can compare the rankings and safety history of nearby nursing homes.
- Check inspection reports – Nursing home inspection reports are available through the website of the U.S. Department of Health
- Talk with caregivers – Talking with those who will be providing for your loved one on a daily basis is one of the best ways to get a feel for the facility. While there, ask plenty of questions of the employees, trying to get a sense of their feelings about their job and the residents they care for.
- Beware of arbitration – Most nursing homes present prospective residents with arbitration agreements that significantly limit their rights in the event of serious injury or death. These agreements, however, are not required to gain admission into the facility, and should be viewed with a skeptical eye.
Of course, all the research in the world cannot wholly immunize a resident from nursing home abuse or neglect. When a resident is harmed as a result of an employee’s negligence or management’s oversight, the facility may be held liable as a result. Those considering a Maryland nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit should reach out to a dedicated personal injury attorney for assistance.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured in a Maryland Nursing Home?
If you have a loved one at a Maryland nursing home, and you suspect that they have been the victim of abuse or neglect, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers. At Our Maryland personal injury law firm, we represent nursing home residents and their families in all types of cases across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our dedicated team of advocates work diligently to ensure that our clients are able to recover the compensation they are entitled to. To learn more, call 800-654-1949 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.