Helping a Loved One in a Nursing Home

Advocating for a loved one in a nursing home has always been important. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, this role has become more critical—and more complex—than ever before.

Residents and staff in long-term care facilities were among the hardest hit in the early stages of the pandemic. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), residents of nursing homes accounted for 31% of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths as of June 30, 2021.

Although newer variants such as Omicron are somewhat less severe than earlier ones, they are highly transmissible. As a result, COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. If you have a spouse, parent, sibling, or other loved one in a nursing home, it is essential to remain proactive. By asking the right questions, you can better ensure their safety, quality of care, and emotional well-being.

Key Questions to Ask the Facility

When advocating for your loved one, you can start by addressing the following areas:

1. Vaccination Status

First, ask about vaccination rates and availability:

• What percentage of staff and residents are fully vaccinated, including boosters?

• How do those rates compare to state and national averages?

• How does the facility educate staff and residents about vaccine safety and effectiveness?

• Are vaccines and boosters readily available to anyone who needs them?

By clarifying these points, you can better understand how protected your loved one is within the facility.

2. Current COVID-19 Cases and Testing

Next, inquire about the presence of COVID-19 and the facility’s testing protocols:

• Have any staff, residents, visitors, or vendors tested positive in the past two weeks?

• If so, how many cases are currently active?

• Who is being tested, and how frequently?

• What is the facility’s response time for isolating positive cases?

These answers will give you insight into how quickly the facility identifies and addresses outbreaks.

3. Infection Control Measures

Once you have the testing information, turn to infection prevention efforts:

• What screening procedures are in place for everyone entering the building?

• How are positive cases managed—do staff quarantine at home, and are residents moved to isolation units?

• How often is the facility sanitized, and what methods are used?

• What social distancing measures are in place, especially for residents with roommates?

Understanding these protocols can reassure you that the facility is taking appropriate steps to reduce risk.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

After discussing infection control, confirm that staff have the tools they need:

• Is there enough PPE (masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer) for everyone?

• If not, is there a plan in place to acquire more?

• Are staff trained in the proper use of PPE?

Adequate PPE and proper training are essential to keeping residents safe.

5. Visitation and Family Communication

Then, ask how the facility supports residents’ emotional well-being through connection with loved ones:

• Are in-person visits currently allowed, and what infection-control measures are required?

• If visits are restricted, when will they resume?

• Is compassionate end-of-life visitation always permitted?

• Does staff assist residents with phone or video calls to stay connected with family?

• Can you schedule regular calls or virtual visits?

• How will the facility notify you of a positive case—by phone, email, or website update—and how quickly?

Regular communication helps you stay informed and maintain your loved one’s sense of connection.

6. Staffing Levels and Resident Care

Finally, confirm that the facility is adequately staffed to meet residents’ needs:

• Are there enough nurses, aides, and caregivers to provide proper care?

• If there are staffing shortages, what is the plan to ensure that residents still receive meals, medication, bathing, physical therapy, and social engagement?

Consistent staffing is crucial for maintaining quality care and preventing neglect.

7. Social and Recreational Activities

In addition, ask about programs that support residents’ mental and emotional health:

• How are group activities adapted for social distancing?

• Are exercise, entertainment, and communal events still available in a safe format?

• Which services, if any, have been suspended, and why?

These activities play a major role in residents’ overall quality of life.

Why Your Advocacy Matters

Ultimately, your loved one relies on you to be their voice. By asking these questions and staying engaged, you help ensure that their facility is operating at its best—protecting their health, meeting their needs, and preserving their dignity.

📞 Need help? Call us at (207) 848-5600 or visit our CONTACT page. We can guide you through your options and help you advocate effectively for your loved one’s well-being.