Putting your loved one in a nursing home can be a difficult and agonizing choice. For one West Virginia woman, the decision is one that is likely to haunt her forever. Peggy Rumbach placed her elderly mother in the care of Raleigh Manor and alleges that its negligent care directly resulted in her mother’s death.

Many nursing home facilities do not meet the standards patients deserve. In many cases, the facility staff is negligent, careless or even abusive to residents. If your loved one needs care in a nursing home, consider the following tips:

Do your research — Before selecting a nursing home, conduct a complete examination of the facility. Tour the premises to see if it meets your loved one’s needs and get a feel for the environment. Make sure the nursing home has a good reputation and abides by all applicable laws. Furthermore, inquire about the following:

• Whether the facility is licensed
• Whether every employee undergoes a background check
• How many staff members and nurses are present during each shift

Check in regularly — Stop by the nursing facility regularly to visit your loved one. Introduce yourself to the staff and nurses. Get involved with the facility by joining a family committee or a similar group.

Be on the lookout — Never let down your guard when it comes to nursing home negligence. The signs may be very subtle, but they can prevent a major tragedy. Common signs of nursing home negligence or neglect include poor hygiene, bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration and unexplained injuries.

Open a dialogue — Make sure your loved one feels safe and ask the person to confide in you if any improper conduct ever occurs.

If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact an experienced nursing home negligence lawyer today. An attorney can help you protect your loved one and seek compensation for any injuries suffered.