LITTLE ROCK -- Moving a family member into a nursing home or assisted living facility is a big, and sometimes scary, step. Your loved one deserves respectful and safe care, and you are placing your trust in caregivers and the facility you choose. But how do you know which choice is right for your family?
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a consumer alert to educate Arkansans about questions and items to consider when selecting a facility and to alert them to a new checklist created by her office to support families with this difficult decision.
"Families have to consider the type of care their loved one would receive, the amenities of the facility and so much more," Rutledge said. "This can be very overwhelming, but my office has compiled an easy-to-use checklist to help determine which facility best accommodates your loved ones' needs."
Rutledge released the checklist that includes the following questions family members should consider when choosing a nursing home facility:
• Is the needed level or specialized care available?
• What equipment do they have for patient safety?
• Is the noise level comfortable?
• Is the staff polite and respectful?
• Are licensed professionals available 24/7?
• Does the facility complete background checks on staff members?
• Is storage space available for the residents?
• Are residents allowed to bring personal belongings?
• Does the facility accommodate special diets?
• Is preventative care available to patients, like flu shots or hearing and vision tests?
• Do they invite residents and family to care-plan meetings?
• What about planned activities for residents?
For a complete list of questions, go to ArkansasAG.gov/Seniors or Pinterest.com/ArkansasAG.
To report Medicaid fraud or abuse or neglect in nursing homes, call the Attorney General's Medicaid fraud hotlines at (866) 810-0016.
For more information about other consumer-related issues, call the Arkansas Attorney General's office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.
Community on 01/27/2016