With the recent attention on the state of long-term care homes, CARP offers some tips on how to spot red flags if you have a loved one in a long-term care home.

• Do the  residents appear happy? Are they engaged and active?

•  Are their clothes clean, are they regularly bathed?

• Are they wearing pyjamas all day or are they dressed?

• What is their mental state? Are they alert?

• Do you suspect they are being over-medicated with anti-psychotics?

• What are the policies for keeping families informed of any changes in medication or behaviour?

• Are the residents being kept in their rooms most of the day, are they being engaged or sitting in common rooms unattended?

• Is the facility clean and organized?

• What is the home’s fall prevention program?

• What is the ratio of staff members to residents?

• Do they staff who specialize in dementia treatment?

• Is there a police reference check for staff and volunteers?

CARP believes that changes are needed to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are safe when they come to the end-stages of their lives in a long-term care facility.

Though it is not possible to monitor a facility full-time, there are some things that you can keep in mind when choosing a home for your loved one.

Talk to friends, talk to the residents and do your homework on the reputation of the organization.

For a full checklist visit Nursing Home Ratings.