Were Veterans Nursing Home Ratings Hidden from Public?

PARIS, Texas. Deciding on a nursing home for a loved one can be a challenging and wrenching process. Families often visit nursing homes, ask questions about care, and may look to ratings to help them make a decision. But, according to USA Today, some Veterans nursing homes may have hidden their ratings from public view. According to the report, the VA has knowledge of which of its nursing homes have poor ratings, but may not have always made the ratings known to the public—or to the families making decisions about their loved one’s care.

According to USA Today, 60 VA nursing homes received the lowest ratings. Unfortunately, families may not have had access to this crucial information. However, newly released ratings paint a troubling picture. Veterans in some homes may have been placed on antipsychotic medication which may have left them dazed and confused. Sometimes understaffed nursing homes use antipsychotics to help soothe patients when they pose behavioral difficulties. This practice has been widely criticized.

The reports also indicated that VA nursing homes performed worse than private sector nursing homes in a variety of classifications. Patients reportedly experienced more pain, experienced more trouble completing daily tasks on their own, more patients had a catheter left in, or suffered more bed sores than patients in private settings.

However, it is important to note that VA patients may also experience unique challenges above the general population, so these ratings may not always reflect the standard of care.

What can you do to help your loved one receive the best care possible? First, do your research. According to U.S. News and World Report, some essential basic questions include:

• What is the ratio between patients and staff? Look at your state’s staffing data to find what your state’s average ratio is. Ideally, you want to find a facility that beats this average ratio.
• Ask about staff turnover. Consistency is important for your loved one’s well-being, but high staff turnover can indicate that people are not being compensated properly or the work environment isn’t ideal. You don’t want your loved on in this situation.
• How long will staff spend with my loved one?
• How does the facility prevent infections and pressure sores? Do patients and staff receive regular immunizations? Does the care facility have the equipment to prevent pressure sores?
• Does the facility have the staff and resources to care for dementia patients?
• Are patients given anti-psychotics or other mood altering medication?

Finding the right nursing home for your loved one can take time, but armed with the right information, you can find the right care. However, if you feel that your loved one suffered nursing home abuse or neglect, you may want to take steps to protect your loved one’s rights. The Cooper Law Firm are personal injury lawyers in Paris, Texas who help families seek justice when a nursing home left a family member hurt. Our firm may be able to help you seek damages for your losses. Visit us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more.

Cooper Law Firm

501 N Third St,

Longview, TX 75601

Telephone: (903) 297-0037