Is Your Florida Nursing Home Safe? How Can You Tell?

The decision to move a loved one to a Florida nursing home is a difficult one, but your family may have decided that your loved one's safety necessitates it. You probably want your family member to be in an environment where he or she will be protected from harm.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen even in nursing homes. Every year, thousands of older Americans are injured while in the care of nursing home staff. In Florida, nursing home staff members are responsible for creating a safe environment for residents, but resident safety isn't always a main concern.
How can you ensure that your loved one is in a nursing home where safety is a top priority?

West Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorney Craig Goldenfarb suggests the following:

First of all, take a good look around. Is it easy to move around the building and grounds? Would it be easy if you were in a wheelchair? How far is it to the dining and recreation areas? Are hallways, stairwells, and exits well-lit? Are the stairways and exits clearly marked? Are there rails in the halls, stairs, and bathrooms for those with limited mobility? Do you see any slip-and-fall hazards? Is the floor slick? Is the carpet thick enough to cause tripping? Is there loose tread near stairs? Do you see smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices?

If you see hazards, ask questions. How important is resident independence? Is there an emergency plan? Where will your loved one go if residents are evacuated from the building? You also should ask the nurse or administrator if they know how often the smoke detectors are tested. Do they know when the fire extinguishers were last checked? If the staff member doesn't know the answers, resident safety may not be a top concern.

Did neglect or a safety hazard cause your loved one to be injured while in a Florida nursing home? Your loved one may be able to file a Florida nursing home abuse and neglect claim. To learn more or to discuss your loved one's nursing home injury with a West Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorney, contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb at 800-GOLD-LAW.