Most people find the thought of moving their loved ones into a nursing home sad and overwhelming. Accepting that your loved one has reached a level where they need full-time, around-the-clock care can be challenging. However, preparing for the moment can make some of the emotional and logistical challenges less daunting.
When you start considering moving your family members into a nursing home, it’s important to research facilities thoroughly. Not all nursing homes are equal, and tragically, some engage in predatory and abusive practices that harm their residents. If you suspect your loved one is being taken advantage of in their nursing home, you should secure the help of a skilled nursing home lawyer. Here is a comprehensive list for preparing to move your loved one into a nursing home.
Start by Educating Yourself on Nursing Home Laws
If you are considering moving your loved one(s) into a nursing home, educate yourself on federal laws that nursing homes must abide by. Understanding your loved one’s rights as a nursing home resident can help you identify abusive or unlawful practices in a facility. As outlined in federal regulations, nursing homes must provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for their residents. Some regulations all nursing homes must abide by include:
- Providing residents with a room that has a window
- Providing a clean, comfortable bed and mattress
- Providing appropriate bedding that is suited for a location’s weather
- Providing furniture that is suitable for a resident’s needs
How to Pack Your Loved One’s Clothes
One of the most important things you’ll need to do when you move a loved one into a nursing home facility is gathering and packing their clothes. You’re probably not going to have enough space to pack their whole closet, so you’ll need to be selective in choosing which clothes make the packing list.
While most nursing homes keep their facilities at a comfortable temperature, many elderly individuals run cold. It’s a good idea to include warm, versatile layers and lots of socks. In general, it’s a good idea to pack at least two weeks’ worth of clothing. You’ll want to give your family member enough clothes to hold up when their laundry is being done, but you don’t want to give them too many options, as this can pose a challenge for individuals with cognitive dysfunction.
Outfit the Bathroom with Your Loved One’s Favorite Products
Most people have preferred body care items, such as soap and shampoo. Stocking your family member’s nursing home bathroom with their favorites can help personalize their space and make it feel more like home. One of the hardest aspects of moving into a nursing home for your loved one is that it turns their routine upside down. Anything you can do to limit the amount of change they experience will make a world of difference.
Put Some of Your Loved One’s Favorite Things in Their New Room
One of the best things you can do to ease the transition to a nursing home for your loved one is to decorate their room with meaningful possessions. Placing sentimental items around the room can make them feel at home. Family pictures, sentimental artwork, or souvenirs from treasured vacations will help them adjust more quickly to their new surroundings.
Call an Expert Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York City
If you have recently moved a loved one into a nursing home but suspect they are the victim of neglect or abuse, it’s important to seek legal help. At Dalli & Marino, we are dedicated to fighting the injustices in the nursing home system.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for victims of nursing home abuse since 1996. We are committed to cultivating strong relationships with our clients through reliable communication. Our team of skilled attorneys approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate for your experience. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
