In Good Hands Find the Right Nursing Home for Your Family
There is a stigma around nursing homes and retirement communities, and some places have earned their bad reputation. For this reason, many people are under the impression that putting a loved one “in a home” means you’re abandoning them. This does not have to be the case. Nursing homes exist to provide seniors with a safe, comfortable place to receive the care and attention they need. When searching for a good nursing home for your family member, start by visiting the location in person. While you’re there, follow these guidelines to choose the right home for your loved one. LISTEN WELL Pet names like “Mama” or “Granny” sound endearing, but they are often a sign that the staff doesn’t know the resident’s name. The staff should always use the residents’ names as a sign of respect and care. You should also pay attention to how the staff treats each other. If the nurses and aides are rude to one another, there’s a good chance they’ll be rude to your family member too. FOLLOW YOUR NOSE Certain medications and diets can upset a person’s stomach, and health problems can cause residents to have difficulty controlling their bowels, so you may occasionally encounter unpleasant smells while visiting a nursing home. You shouldn’t worry unless you encounter a strong, foul odor that lingers.
The scent of stale urine may be a sign the facility is not being cleaned properly. Overly strong, pleasant smells may also be a red flag because they could be covering up something bad. ASK QUESTIONS Ask questions about everything you see. Learn about activities,
quality of life, emergency plans, and custodial frequency. Ask to see the current inspection report and Medicare and Medicaid certifications. Discover how long key staff members — including the director and departments heads — have been there. The staff at a trustworthy facility will never hesitate to answer any questions you may have, so if the person you’re speaking to gets annoyed or defensive, take it as a warning sign. Putting in the time to research and visit any care facility is an important step in making sure your family member will be safe. But circumstances can change, and even a nursing home you feel confident in can hide a dark side. If you suspect your loved one may be the victim of elder abuse in their nursing home, call 815-726-9999. Learn how our experienced elder abuse attorneys can help you and your loved one take action and correct a bad situation.
LAUGH OUT LOUD
‘HEADLESS’ APPLES ON HORSEBACK
INGREDIENTS
• 16 very thin slices of pancetta (or cured, unsmoked bacon) • 2 pink lady apples
• 3 ounces manchego cheese, 1/4 inch thick • Toothpicks for skewering
DIRECTIONS
1. Core apples and cut each into 8 wedges. Remove rind of manchego cheese and cut into 2-inch sticks. 2. Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high. 3. On a cutting board, lay pancetta or bacon slices flat and place an apple wedge and piece of cheese in the center of each. 4. Roll pancetta tightly and skewer with toothpick. 5. Grill until cheese is melted and pancetta or bacon is golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. 6. Drain excess grease on a paper towel and serve hot. Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
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