In memory care, setting expectations is key

Nursing homes that offer memory care need to keep in mind the risks their patients face.

While doing so does protect nursing homes from negligence lawsuits and other liability, it is also the right thing to do. Nursing homes do not want harm to come to their patients, especially those who suffer dementia and need memory care.

To prevent injuries or avoidable illnesses, nursing homes need to follow the appropriate standard of care, ensure their premises are clean and safe, adequately staff their facility with qualified and caring professionals and follow all laws and regulations.

An article in an online insurance industry journal, though, suggests another important step.

Especially when it comes to caring for patients with dementia, facilities need to communicate clearly and often with families and, to the extent possible, with the patient.

Among other benefits, this communication helps establish reasonable expectations for all involved.

Oftentimes, nursing home negligence litigation and claims can be traced back to poor communication between the facility and their customers.

For example, many families do not understand the symptoms and risks associated with dementia that have nothing to do with the quality of a nursing home’s care. Patients with cognitive decline are more likely to fall, lose weight, or experience dehydration or infections, just to give a few examples.

Nursing homes may need to defend themselves from claims

While no facility can entirely prevent these risks, the facility can warn families about these risks upfront and let a family know consistently what the facility is doing to protect their loved one.

Without this communication, the natural fallout from dementia can easily be mistaken for abuse or neglect, and lawsuits will inevitably follow.

Even with the highest standards of client communication, though, a nursing home’s leadership may still need to understand their legal options and protect their interests in a negligence claim.