Nursing Home Safety Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic

During times of great uncertainty like the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, those living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to an increased risk of illness or injury as a result of neglect.

In addition, it can be difficult to advocate on behalf of your loved ones when social distancing policies mean you can’t always go visit them. With the number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana rising daily, it’s more important than ever to do what you can to protect your loved ones. Mike Brandner Law explains what you can do to keep your family members safe from Louisiana nursing home abuse.

#1: Find New Ways to Stay in Touch

Keeping the lines of communication open is key. Because you may not be able to visit nursing facilities in person, it’s important to establish different ways to stay in touch with your loved ones. Phone calls, texting, and especially video chats will give you the opportunity to see how your loved one is doing and keep them company just like you would normally. Some facilities have even offered in-person visits between glass. 

#2: Read Up on CDC Nursing Home Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has comprehensive plans in place for long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 standards the CDC has established. Then, get in contact with the facility and find out what they are doing to meet these standards. The following questions may help you assess the risk of Louisiana nursing home neglect:

• Does the facility have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and residents? Is there enough soap and hand sanitizer in each room?
• How often is the facility being disinfected?
• How are you implementing social distancing between residents?
• Are staff receiving health screenings before each shift, including taking their temperature and assessing for potential symptoms of COVID-19?
• How are residents being monitored for symptoms of COVID-19?
• How and when will family members be notified if a resident contracts COVID-19?

#3: Report Suspected Neglect to Your Long-Term Care Ombudsman

If you have concerns about a loved one in a long-term care facility and are unable to get in touch with your family member or have your questions satisfactorily answered by staff, you should contact your local long-term care ombudsman as soon as possible. These advocates investigate complaints, including those of Louisiana nursing home neglect and abuse. An ombudsman can also resolve complaints related to quality of care, food, finances, activities, and violation of resident and citizen rights.

#4: Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you believe your loved one contracted COVID-19 or was injured due to the negligent or otherwise abusive actions of staff members at a long-term care facility, you have rights and may be entitled to compensation. 

Mike Brandner Law believes that those who perpetuate this kind of abuse should be held liable for their actions. Contact a Louisiana nursing home abuse lawyer today by calling one of the numbers listed below, using our LiveChat feature, or by submitting the details of your case using our contact form. Consultations are free, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.