That is something families have to keep watch on. Frequent visits are crucial to good care. Nursing-home personnel know which residents have family members who visit and which are neglected. Neglecting your relative could invite the facility to do the same. If the care plan requires your relative to be walked two times a day or taken to the bathroom every two hours, you and your family might have to assume the role of policeman to be sure that is done.
Good homes have family councils and residents' councils.
Get involved and have your relative get involved. These councils are often a good place to make your wishes known and to monitor the quality of care that is delivered. Obtain state surveys and read them carefully. Contact the local ombudsman. Use the Consumer Reports Nursing Home Watch List to help you select a nursing home.