Resident councils, which are made up of residents and sometimes family members, provide an opportunity for residents to address their concerns to staff and to one another. Residents also have choices when it comes to treatment decisions. Residents may shift the decision-making responsibility to their children or other loved ones. Nursing facility residents do not receive adequate care. Each state has inspectors, called surveyors, who monitor the quality of care given in every facility.
Surveyors make an unscheduled visit to a facility once each year or if a complaint has been made.
If problems are cited, the facility works on a plan of correction and implements any changes immediately. If you feel your loved one is not receiving adequate care or attention, discuss these issues with the director of nursing or the administrator. Nursing facilities have an unpleasant odor. Many elderly people are incontinent which may lead to an occasional odor. Currently there are many effective cleansing products available today, so a properly cleaned facility should smell pleasant.