Picking a nursing home for your loved ones can be a very challenging process. Sometimes you may think, “I need a nursing home lawyer.” Our firm, Borchardt Law Firm, offers these suggestions in the hopes of avoiding nursing home abuse or neglect. Sadly, we have seen and dealt with many cases involving nursing home neglect and abuse. We want to help out in any way we can to avoid these outlaws. Of course, these steps will not guarantee a good outcome. Our first recommendation is to visit the state website to compare facilities that you are considering. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability (DADS) is responsible for licensing and overseeing long term care nursing facilities. The department inspects the facilities and issue reports commonly known as “state reports” or “inspection reports.” DADS maintains a comparison of all facilities licensed in Texas. The DADS website is a great place to start your search for an acceptable nursing home.
After visiting the DADS website and completing your research we recommend you always visit the facility before making a decision. Finding the right nursing home may take time, be certain that both you and your loved one feel comfortable about the decision. Here are a few recommendations we suggest while visiting the facility.
1. Take your time to see if the facility is clean and acceptable.
2. Ask the facility to review their last inspection report or state report.
3. Take a look at their food menu and taste the food.
4. Look around to determine whether there are enough people, nurses and nurse aides to care for the residents.
5. If you can, visit with some residents
After visiting the facility, get to know the staff and which physician will be responsible for your loved one. Many times, your family physician(s) will not be responsible for the care of your loved one at a nursing home, so be sure to meet and get to know your new physician and nurses. You can then do a preliminary background check on that physician by going to the Texas Board of Medical Examiners website.
By following these guidelines we hope you find a home for your loved ones. At Borchardt Law Firm, we wish no family has to ever experience nursing home neglect or abuse. Our firm has successfully represented families who have been victims of nursing home abuse. We hope that the work we do will protect future generations of Texans. Feel free to give us a call.
Toll Free: 866.832.9300
Phone: 817.332.9300
Fax: 817.332.9301
firm@attorneysmb.com
Burnett Building
801 Cherry St #1005
Fort Worth, Texas 76102