Thinking of Placing a Loved One in a Nursing Facility? Read This First

An Orange, Connecticut-based hospice facility was recently fined by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). The company was cited for multiple violations including failure to create an adequate plan for pain management, not informing patients of costs and not providing timely care. Additionally, the company is required to hire a health care consultant for a minimum of six months to help with pain management.

The decision to place your loved one in a nursing or hospice facility is an extremely difficult one. If you are faced with this decision, consider asking the nursing facility the following questions:

1. How often will my loved one be seen by a doctor?
2. How often will my loved one be checked on by nursing staff?
3. What is the facility’s pain management strategy?
4. How often will my loved one get out of his/her room?
5. How often will my loved one be moved to prevent bedsores?
6. What is the facility’s protocol for addressing new health issues?

This is just a sampling of questions you may want to ask any nursing facility. The attorneys at McEnery Price Messey & Sullivan encourage you to ask as many question as necessary to make the most informed decision. We also encourage you to ask specific questions related to your loved one’s illness.

If you question the level of care your loved one received in a nursing facility that resulted in a permanent injury, including death, call our office.