Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Even after you’ve found a facility, regular visits play a vital role in ensuring your loved one is receiving the care, attention, and respect they deserve.
While many nursing homes provide excellent care, it’s important to remember that problems aren’t always immediately obvious. In fact, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that elder abuse and neglect remain significantly underreported, making it even more important for families to stay involved and observant.
At Harbin & Burnett, we’ve worked with families throughout Anderson and Upstate South Carolina who discovered concerns only after asking the right questions. Whether your loved one recently moved into a facility or has lived there for years, here are some important questions to ask during every visit.
“How Have You Been Feeling Lately?”
This may seem like an obvious question, but the answer can tell you a lot.
Instead of asking, “Are you okay?” try asking open-ended questions like:
- How have you been feeling this week?
- Is there anything you’ve needed that you haven’t received?
- Have you been participating in activities you enjoy?
- Is there anything making you uncomfortable?
These questions encourage conversation rather than simple yes-or-no answers.
“Are Your Needs Being Met?”
Ask your loved one about their daily care.
Some helpful questions include:
- Are staff members responding when you ask for help?
- Are you receiving your medications on time?
- Are you getting enough to eat and drink?
- Do you feel respected by the staff?
- Are your personal belongings where you left them?
Even small concerns may point to larger issues.
“How Often Do Staff Check on You?”
Residents should never feel forgotten.
If your loved one mentions waiting long periods for assistance or frequently being left alone, it could indicate staffing concerns that deserve a closer look.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), adequate staffing plays a significant role in resident safety and quality of care.
Observe More Than You Ask
Sometimes what you see is just as important as what you hear.
During your visit, pay attention to:
- Is your loved one clean and appropriately dressed?
- Does their room appear clean and well-maintained?
- Are call lights being answered promptly?
- Do staff members interact respectfully with residents?
- Does your loved one seem unusually withdrawn, anxious, or fearful?
- Have you noticed unexplained weight loss or changes in appearance?
Trust your instincts. Families often notice subtle changes before anyone else.
“Have There Been Any Changes?”
Ask both your loved one and the nursing home staff if anything has changed since your last visit.
You may want to ask about:
- New medications
- Falls or injuries
- Changes in mobility
- Appetite or weight changes
- New medical diagnoses
- Changes in behavior or mood
Staying informed helps you better understand your loved one’s health and well-being.
Talk With the Staff
Building a positive relationship with caregivers can help you stay informed and involved.
Consider asking staff:
- How is my loved one doing compared to last month?
- Have there been any concerns recently?
- Is there anything our family can do to support their care?
- Have there been any staffing changes?
Open communication often benefits everyone involved.
Visit at Different Times
If possible, avoid visiting only on holidays or during scheduled activities.
Instead, visit:
- During meals
- Early mornings
- Evenings
- Weekends
Different visit times provide a more complete picture of daily life inside the facility.
Keep Notes
If something doesn’t seem right, write it down.
Document:
- Dates and times of visits
- Conversations with staff
- Photos (when appropriate)
- Changes in behavior or physical condition
- Any recurring concerns
Keeping detailed notes can help identify patterns over time.
When Should Families Be Concerned?
Not every concern means abuse or neglect has occurred. However, recurring issues should never be ignored.
If you notice repeated warning signs such as:
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden personality changes
- Poor hygiene
- Fear around certain staff members
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent falls
- Isolation from family
it may be time to ask additional questions and seek guidance.
How Harbin & Burnett Can Help
At Harbin & Burnett, we’ve seen firsthand how important family involvement can be in protecting nursing home residents. Our attorneys proudly represent families in Anderson and throughout the surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities, including Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley, and Seneca, in cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect.
If you’re concerned about the care your loved one is receiving, contact Harbin & Burnett today to speak with an experienced attorney. Together, we can help protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of those who matter most.
