Choosing a Nursing Home: A Guide for Maryland Families

If your family is considering placing a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, you’re not alone. A recent CNBC report found that the aging of “baby boomers” (those born between 1946 and 1964) has created such a high demand for quality nursing care that there aren’t enough employees to supply the homes. 

Selecting a nursing home is a difficult decision. There are literally hundreds of Maryland nursing homes. Finances are a consideration. And sadly, not all nursing homes provide quality care. In 2020, the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality’s Long-Term Care Unit received nearly 1,400 allegations of abuse and over 800 allegations of neglect in facilities such as nursing homes. How can a family choose an affordable home that keeps their loved one safe and healthy? 

This article provides a guide for choosing a Maryland nursing home. It gives families questions to ask and things to look for when choosing a nursing facility. Finally, it explains how a Laurel nursing home neglect lawyer can help you after the process. 

Choosing a Maryland Nursing Home: Five Essential Steps 

Step 1 – Know your needs 

Every potential nursing home resident has different needs. As such, the first step is to consider which type of nursing facility best fits your loved ones’ needs. A senior who is still relatively independent but needs help with a few ADLs (activities of daily living) would probably do best in assisted living. A person who has little independence and needs daily medical care likely needs a nursing home. Someone who is generally independent but is temporarily unable to handle their ADLs may need a rehab facility. 

Ask your loved one’s medical team about which type of facility they recommend. 

Step 2 – Research 

Once you figure out the type of nursing facility that you’re looking for, make a list of contenders. The Medicare.gov website allows users to search for specific types of nursing facilities. You can even search a specific town by adding a Zip code or entering “Laurel, MD”. The Maryland Health Care Commission’s website has a similar function. 

Both websites rate facilities based on inspection results, staffing information, and more. Federal law and Maryland law require different safety measures, so be sure to look at both websites. Pay particular attention to the “inspection” section. Both websites tell you how many health violations were reported in the facility’s most recent inspections. 

Step 3 – Visit 

After you’ve narrowed down your list of contenders to four or five possibilities, visit each facility in person. During your visit: 

• Verify the facility’s license and certification. Licensure means that the facility meets the basic minimum requirements to operate. 
• Pay attention to what you see – and smell. Does the facility look well-kept or messy? Does it smell fresh or foul? Are the floors tidy and safe or are there falling hazards? Do the current residents look happy, well-fed, and clean? These may seem like small things, but they can tell you quite a bit. While it’s not a guarantee, a facility that looks after “the little things” is more likely to take good care of your loved one. 
• Prepare a list of questions for the administration and medical team. Ask both about staffing and staff turnover. Lack of adequate staffing can lead to a lack of supervision and other issues which can place residents in danger. If you can, visit multiple times at different times of day to get the whole picture. Also, talk to other residents or their families if you get the chance. 

Step 4 – Know your rights

Once your loved one enters a facility, they have certain rights under federal and Maryland law. The federal list of Nursing Home Resident’s Rights includes rights such as the right to be treated with respect, participate in activities, and be free from restraints. Maryland law provides similar rights and includes a few more, such as a resident’s right to choose their own doctor and pharmacy. 

Step 5 – Stay involved 

After your loved one has settled in, visit often. If you can avoid it, try not to visit at the same times every day or week. Mixing things up will prevent the facility putting on a good show when they’re expecting you and ignoring your loved one at all other times. If you see something that makes you uneasy, ask questions. Document any concerns through pictures, videos, and any other necessary means. Finally, learn how to report issues to the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality.  

Get Legal Help with Maryland Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Hopefully, following the tips in this article will help you and your family choose an ideal facility for your loved one. But despite your best efforts, your loved one may still experience abuse or neglect at their nursing home. If this happens and you need legal help, contact the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles. Our Laurel nursing home neglect attorneys have years of experience helping families like yours. To learn more about how we can help you and your family, call 301-705-5006 or use our online contact form.