Running a nursing facility requires top-notch professionalism to satisfy the needs of residents. In addition to operating under state and federal regulations, you should set several measures to ensure your facility achieves its duty. Not taking care of the residents can lead to expensive lawsuits.
The following discusses three practical tips for avoiding nursing home negligence claims:
Have enough staff
A shortage of staff can lead to delayed services for some residents, who may view it as negligence. Thus, you should have a realistic patient-to-staff ratio. You should employ all the needed professionals, from physicians to housekeepers. Every patient should feel like they are being taken care of competently.
Further, you need staff who are skilled in certain tasks. No one should take on duties they are not experienced in, as this can lead to substandard care. If you cannot meet a resident’s specific needs, consider transferring them to another facility according to the facility’s transfer policy included in the admission agreement.
Have a good relationship with residents
You should have a good relationship with your residents. They should be comfortable communicating with you about their problems and be confident you will provide solutions. You should also encourage the staff to be respectful and polite to them.
Keep the facility safe
Safety is crucial in nursing facilities. It will be best to have a team inspect the home regularly to identify and solve potential security threats. For example, it may help to have window restrictors to prevent falls and burglary, while leaving space for ventilation. You should also have radiator covers to prevent burns and so on.
Offering residents quality services is essential for nursing homes. However, despite this, you may face unfair accusations. If this is your case, you should consider your options to defend your facility.