Assisted living facilities are notorious for the neglect of their elderly patients. Numerous stories have come to light about the blatant mistreatment of senior citizens in American institutions. These reports naturally may have you worried about the well-being of your parent. On the other hand, perhaps you believe your loved one is safe because nothing as severe as outright physical abuse has occurred.
However, there are additional dangers your parent may face. These less noticeable risks have just as much impact on the safety and care of your aging loved one. Find out if the facility responsible for your mother or father is committing one of these common violations.
Building Code
Whether the building is old or new, it needs to comply with various codes to ensure safety. Violations can include non-working smoke alarms, overcrowding in community areas, blocked exits and improper storage of hazardous substances.
Maintenance
The condition of the place is just as important as code compliance. Lack of regular maintenance can lead to accidents. The facility should be clean. The operators should update furniture, install new carpeting and make repairs within a reasonable time frame.
Food Service
Kitchen staff must follow industry regulations to ensure proper food handling and storage. Otherwise, your parent could experience food poisoning from cross-contaminated ingredients.
Record Keeping
When an assisted living facility does not thoroughly and accurately keep records, it could lead to preventable mistakes in all areas of care. It can also be a challenge when a situation comes up and no documentation exists.
Emergency Preparedness
New Mexico is vulnerable to a variety of natural and civic disasters, such as fires and floods. Does the establishment where your parent lives have an emergency-preparedness plan? Does it have proper measures in place to protect residents until help arrives?
Just because your dad or mom does not suffer abuse and neglect does not mean you should assume he or she is automatically secure against other risks. Be thorough in your check as you decide whether a facility is a safe place for your elderly parent to live.
