How to Discover Nursing Home Violations Before Choosing Care

Choosing a nursing home can be one of the most significant decisions you make for your family. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can identify potential issues and make an informed choice. 

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we’ve seen how devastating violations can be and we’re here to help you uncover red flags and protect your loved ones.

Understanding Nursing Home Violations

Nursing home violations occur when facilities fail to meet state or federal regulations designed to protect residents. These lapses can range from improper hygiene practices to life-threatening neglect. Common categories of violations include:

• Resident Care Issues: Inadequate supervision, improper treatment, or failure to address medical needs.
• Medication Errors: Incorrect dosages, administering expired medications, or mixing up prescriptions.
• Hygiene and Nutrition Problems: Poor cleanliness or malnutrition and dehydration.
• Staffing Shortages: Insufficient staff-to-resident ratios or untrained personnel.
• Safety Hazards: Faulty equipment or unsafe living conditions.

Violations don’t just lead to fines or sanctions for facilities—they put residents at serious risk. That’s why it’s critical to identify potential issues before placement.

Resources for Uncovering Violations

Fortunately, there are several resources you can use to research nursing home facilities:

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services maintains a database of inspection reports and complaint investigations. These records can provide valuable insights into a facility’s history.

• How to Access: Visit their website and go to the nursing home inspection section.
• What to Look For: Pay attention to recurring issues, unresolved complaints, and serious deficiencies flagged by inspectors.

Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare Website

Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool is another excellent resource. This site rates facilities based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

• Step-by-Step Guide:
  1. Go to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare page.
  2. Enter your location or the name of a facility.
  3. Review star ratings and detailed inspection reports.
  4. Look for patterns in deficiencies or low scores.
• Pro Tip: Don’t just rely on the star rating. Read the narrative sections for a fuller picture.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

During your research and visits, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

In Reports

• High Number of Deficiencies: A long list of violations can indicate systemic problems.
• Severity of Deficiencies: Focus on those causing harm or placing residents at risk.
• Repeat Offenses: Unresolved issues or recurring problems suggest deeper management failures.
• Immediate Jeopardy Situations: These are the most serious violations, posing imminent risks to residents.

During Visits

• Unclean Environment: Look for unpleasant odors, dirty surfaces, or signs of neglect.
• Staffing Levels: Observe if staff appear rushed, indifferent, or overwhelmed. High staff-to-resident ratios are essential.
• Resident Well-Being: Residents who seem distressed, unkempt, or isolated may not be receiving proper care.
• Interaction Quality: Watch how staff interact with residents. Compassionate and respectful behavior is key.

When Asking Questions

• Evasive Answers: Be cautious if staff avoid your questions or offer vague responses.
• Policy Clarity: Facilities should have clear procedures for everything from staff training to handling grievances.
• Transparency: Facilities unwilling to share information about staffing or care plans might have something to hide.

Questions to Ask:

• How do you handle complaints from residents or families?
• What are your staff training requirements?
• What’s your staff turnover rate?

Tips for Effective Research

Choosing a nursing home requires more than just reviewing ratings and brochures. This section will help you dig deeper and approach the process with confidence.

Go Beyond the Ratings

Star ratings can be helpful, but they’re not the whole story. Read inspection reports and narratives to understand the context behind the scores.

Look for Patterns

Recurring issues like repeated deficiencies or ongoing complaints suggest deeper systemic problems. Facilities that fail to correct violations might lack the leadership or resources to provide proper care.

Visit Multiple Times

Make unannounced visits at different times of the day. Observing the facility during mealtime, evening hours, or weekends can give you a more accurate picture of daily operations.

Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth investigating further. Speak with current residents and their families for honest feedback about the facility.

Concerned About a Nebraska Nursing Home?

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO., we’re committed to protecting residents and ensuring they receive safe, dignified care. If you have concerns about a nursing home’s practices, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and let us support your family during this critical time.

Call us today at 402-933-0588 or visit our Contact Page to learn more. Together, we can work toward ensuring your loved one’s safety and well-being.