Leaving one’s house in order to take residency in a Chicago nursing home can be an intimidating process. Without having the comforts of one’s own home to enjoy on a daily basis, one can face challenges and difficulties that can significantly affect their freedoms. This can be especially true when that individual becomes an in-patient of a nursing home facility. One of the most important things that a person can do when faced with this difficult prospect is to make sure that the nursing home he plans to enter is prepared to meet his needs.
There are many questions that an individual should ask before accepting a place in a nursing home. Inquiries should be made about the facility’s license and whether it has ever been subjected to investigation by the state for any claims of neglect or abuse. An inquiring party may also ask about how staff at the facility is interviewed and selected as well as if they are subject to background checks prior to beginning their employment.
Though an inquiring party may be able to take a tour of the nursing home before becoming a resident, questions can be asked about the safety features of the home that may not have been seen. A nursing home should be well-lit, free of hallway clutter, and regularly cleaned. Members of the prospective resident’s family should be permitted to visit him while he is in the nursing home, and the prospective resident should be able to expect privacy in his personal space.
The state of Illinois imposes a host of regulations on nursing homes, but individuals should proactively seek out facilities that meet their needs and personal expectations. Asking questions is a good way to learn about a facility and look for red flags before becoming a resident. In the event that a nursing home later fails a resident and that resident suffers harm, he may have rights to pursue a nursing home negligence lawsuit against the facility in an attempt to recover compensation for his losses.