Information on Local Tennessee Nursing Homes

Finding the right nursing home for a loved one is not easy. If you are searching for a nursing home or have a loved one in a local nursing home, it is important to have as much information as possible about the facility. As such, we have put together a list of resources to help. However, it is important to remember, that getting information from the internet is no substitute for actually visiting the nursing home, speaking with the staff and the other residents. Regardless, below are some links to different cities in Tennessee. You can click on the different links to learn more about the cities and the nursing homes in that area.

• Chattanooga, Hamilton County
• Murfreesboro, Rutherford County
• Sumner County
• Williamson County

A majority of states have their own distinguished nursing home laws that go beyond the federal standards. They have been established in an effort to keep abuse and neglect at a minimum. In Tennessee, the Department of Health, has created legal guidelines that covers how food and medication should be administered, the number of staff to be present at all times, the necessary training needed, and so forth.

Tennessee has set forth a comprehensive set of laws that nursing homes must abide by. Part of these laws include the standards of care. To begin with all facility administrators must have at least one certification that proves they are educated and able to handle the role. Qualifications include:

• A Bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration and from an accredited school.
• Completion of a board certified training program which was attending no less than 6 months from their college degree, in any subject.
• An associates degree and three years of experience in a management role, plus certification in a state training program.

If a person does not meet one of these requirements, they cannot legally be employed as the administrator of a nursing home.

To keep abuse or neglect cases to a minimum, all employees must go through a criminal background check before they can work at a nursing home. Without this check, the proposed employee cannot handle direct care of the patient, nor can they interact with them. Fingerprinting is also mandatory before they begin their employment.

Tennessee has also established laws that are designed to prevent abuse towards residents of a nursing home. Abuse is specifically defined as being anything that causes pain, mental anguish, or injury to a nursing home resident. Any employee who believes a resident is being abused, by either another employee or resident, is legally bound to report their suspicions. The laws also mandate:

• All nursing homes must offer 24 hour service.
• At least two staff should be on duty at all times.
• All residents should be provided with adequate hygiene.
• All residents should be moved every 2 hours to prevent bedsores.
• Every dietary need should be provided for residents.
• Three meals within a 24 hour period is mandatory.

If you believe these standards of care are not being met in a Tennessee nursing home, your concerns should be reported immediately.

Even though these laws are meant to protect residents from harm, abuse does happen. When it does, it should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you believe a resident is being abused or neglected, it is important that you not assume someone else has already reported the suspicion. Under Tennessee laws, any person who believes a resident is being abused must legally report it.

In Emergency Situations Call 911

Adult Protective Services (APS) 24/7 - 1-888-APS-TENN or 1-888-277-8366

Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-356-6767

Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman - Lauren Meeker, 615-837-5112, Toll Free: 877-236-0013

If you are the loved one of someone who is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is your right to consult a nursing home abuse lawyer in Tennessee. You should not waste any time in doing so. Call The Higgins Firm now.