Questions To Ask Before Placing Your Loved One In a Connecticut Nursing Home

Three Connecticut-based nursing home facilities were recently fined by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). A Plainville nursing home was fined for three instances, including one where a patient choked and died. Additionally, dietary restrictions were not followed causing allergic reactions to certain foods. A second facility in Madison was cited after a patient suffered bruising and swelling after not being properly transferred. A third facility in Enfield was fined after a nurse aid inappropriately touched a resident while trying to position the patient in bed.

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 checked on by nursing staff?
2. How often will my loved one be seen by a doctor?
3. What is the facility’s pain management strategy?
4. How are dietary accommodations made?
5. How often will my loved one get out of his/her room?
6. How often will my loved one be moved to prevent bedsores?
7. 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.