9 Key Factors Affecting Safety and Hygiene in Eldercare Facilities: Insights for Families Making Critical Decisions

As your parent or loved one grows older, the decision to transition them into a long-term care facility can be an emotional and challenging one. Ensuring their safety and well-being becomes your top priority and understanding what makes a care facility safe and hygienic is essential.

Older adults are often more vulnerable to health issues, falls, and infections, making strict safety and hygiene standards in assisted living facilities, memory care, and nursing homes non-negotiable.

For adult children looking after their aging parents, knowing what to look for in a care facility can bring peace of mind. Here are nine key conditions directly impacting safety and hygiene standards, along with tips to evaluate facilities and advocate for the best care.

1. Falls and Tripping Hazards

Falls are among the most common and dangerous risks for elderly residents, often leading to fractures, head injuries, or loss of mobility.

• Seniors at Risk: Falls Lead to Injury and Long-Term Care

In fact, the CDC reports that one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and a significant reason for long-term care among this age group.

"Falls among adults aged 65 and older are common, costly, and preventable. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults."

When evaluating a long-term care facility, pay close attention to the flooring, lighting, and presence of mobility aids. Are walkways clear and free from clutter? Does the facility use non-slip flooring? Additionally, staff should regularly assess residents' mobility needs and maintain assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs to prevent accidents.

Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to search from over 80,000 caregivers, home health agencies, adult day care centers, senior communities, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes to find the best options for your loved one - Find Long-Term Care Services Near You.

2. Insufficient Staffing

Understaffed facilities struggle to provide the necessary care, leading to delayed response times, missed hygiene routines, and even medical errors. There is no question that long-term care facilities face many demands, and providing quality care is labor-intensive and often emotionally draining. High staff turnover exacerbates the problem, as caregivers may not have the time to build relationships with residents or fully understand their specific needs.

Look for facilities with optimal staff-to-resident ratios and inquire about employee retention rates. Facilities that offer competitive wages, training programs, and a supportive work environment are more likely to retain skilled and compassionate caregivers.

3. Lack of Access to Proper Hygiene Facilities

Infections can spread rapidly in eldercare settings without adequate handwashing stations, bathrooms, and sanitization supplies. According to the CDC, nearly 2 million infections occur annually in nursing homes, and many are preventable with proper hygiene protocols.

Providing conveniently located handwashing stations that are regularly stocked with soap and sanitizers minimizes these infection risks.

When touring a facility, ensure bathrooms are clean, accessible, and equipped with adaptive features like grab bars and shower seats. Ask how frequently hygiene supplies are replenished and how staff assist residents with personal hygiene tasks.

4. Environmental Hazards and Cleanliness Issues

A clean environment is fundamental to residents' health and well-being. Dust, mold, and pests create an unpleasant atmosphere and pose serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.

Facilities should have regular cleaning schedules, proper ventilation systems, and pest control measures. Additionally, check common areas and resident rooms for signs of neglect, such as unemptied trash bins or dusty furniture.

When a resident passes away, safety and hygiene concerns rise even higher. The environment affects decomposition, meaning the surrounding conditions can accelerate or slow down the process, impacting air quality and increasing the need for specialized cleanup procedures. Professional attention to these sensitive situations is essential to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for other residents and staff alike.

5. Inadequate or Poorly Maintained Equipment

Broken or outdated equipment—like malfunctioning shower lifts or unstable wheelchairs—can compromise safety and hygiene. Properly maintained equipment ensures residents receive care with dignity and minimizes the risk of accidents.

• Nursing Home Equipment Helps Staff Provide Quality Long-Term Care Services for Loved Ones

Ask about the facility's maintenance protocols and whether they perform regular equipment checks. A facility that invests in modern, ergonomic tools demonstrates a commitment to providing safe and effective care.

Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to search from over 80,000 caregivers, home health agencies, adult day care centers, senior communities, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes to find the best options for your loved one - Find Long-Term Care Services Near You.

6. Poor Infection Control Procedures

Infections can escalate quickly in shared living environments. Effective infection control measures are critical, including proper handling of soiled linens, routine disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and food safety protocols.

During your visit, inquire about the facility's infection control protocols. Facilities with a designated infection control officer are often better equipped to manage outbreaks and ensure compliance with best practices.

7. Medication Errors or Overmedication

Medication errors, whether from missed doses or overmedication, can have severe consequences for elderly residents. Overmedication, for instance, can lead to drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls.

A good facility will use medication management systems to reduce errors. Ask how medications are dispensed and whether there's oversight to ensure residents receive the correct dosages at the right times.

Remember that additional services like medication management, especially in assisted living facilities, will add to the cost. Unless your loved one has Long-Term Care Insurance or qualifies for Medicaid because of limited financial resources, the total cost of any long-term care will be your loved one's responsibility. Health insurance and Medicare only pay for short-term skilled care.

8. Neglect from Staff

Neglect can stem from intentional misconduct or simple oversight due to understaffing. Signs of neglect include residents being left in soiled clothing or beds, insufficient hydration, or unmet nutritional needs.

When touring a facility, observe interactions between staff and residents. Compassionate, attentive care is evident in small gestures like staff addressing residents by name or patiently assisting them with meals.

Generally, private pay facilities will have a larger staff than a Medicaid facility due to the high costs of providing care and low Medicaid reimbursements.

If your loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, ensure they start using the benefits as soon as they qualify. Families sometimes hesitate, thinking they should "save" the benefits for later, but it's essential to use them promptly to provide the care and support your loved one needs now.

LTC NEWS can help you process a claim from any LTC Insurance policy.

There is no cost or obligation for this service - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

9. Poor Communication Between Staff, Residents, and Families

Miscommunication can result in significant care issues, such as dietary errors or neglected medical needs. Clear and consistent communication between staff, residents, and their families ensures proper care and keeps loved ones informed about their well-being.

Ask about the facility's communication policies. Do they provide regular updates? Are there systems for reporting incidents or addressing concerns? Transparent communication fosters trust and ensures everyone is on the same page regarding care plans.

What You Can Do as an Advocate

As an advocate for your aging loved one, your role is crucial in ensuring they receive high-quality care. Here's how you can help:

• Visit Often: Regular visits allow you to observe the facility's standards firsthand and address any concerns with staff or management.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to inquire about protocols, from staffing ratios to cleaning schedules. A reputable facility will welcome your interest and provide clear answers.
• Monitor Changes: Stay alert to changes in your loved one's health or demeanor, as these can indicate lapses in care.
• Provide Feedback: Share your observations with facility management. Constructive feedback can lead to improvements that benefit all residents.

If your loved one has an LTC policy, it may include case management services. Take advantage of these resources, as they can offer valuable guidance in developing a personalized care plan and advocating for your loved one's needs.

Ensuring a Safe and Dignified Environment

Choosing a long-term care facility is one of your most important decisions for your loved one. Understanding the key factors influencing safety and hygiene standards enables you to make an informed choice and advocate for the best possible care.

You can use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to help you find caregivers, home health agencies, adult day care centers, senior communities, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes. With over 80,000 listings, searching for quality long-term care services has never been easier - Find Long-Term Care Services Near You.

Long-term care facilities that prioritize these nine conditions protect residents' physical health and enhance their quality of life. As a family member, your vigilance and advocacy are vital in ensuring your loved one's retirement years are safe, comfortable, and dignified.