Deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. Knowing where to start or even what questions to ask can be difficult. It’s important, therefore, to do your research to ensure you find a home that is the best fit for your loved one.
1) Consider Your Loved One’s Needs
When choosing a nursing home, first consider your loved one’s individual needs. For example, does your loved one require special care for a chronic condition? Are they mobile, and able to care for themselves, or do they need help with activities and daily living?
It’s also important to consider your loved one’s preferences. For instance, would they prefer a smaller, more intimate setting or a larger facility with more amenities and activities? Would they prefer to be in a home that is near family and friends, or are they open to relocating to another area?
Once you understand your loved one’s needs and preferences, you can start looking at specific nursing homes that will best meet their needs.
2) Begin By Making A List Of Nursing Homes In Your Area
The first step is to compile a list of nursing homes in your area. This can be done by searching online and/or asking friends and family for recommendations. Once you have a list of potential homes, you can begin to look into each one more closely.
First and foremost, be sure the home is licensed and accredited. You can usually find this information on the home’s website. Next, read reviews of the home by current and former residents. These can give you a good idea of what day-to-day life is like in the home and whether or not it’s a good fit for your loved one.
Finally, schedule a visit to the home. This will allow you to see the facilities and meet some of the staff. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have and get a feel for the environment.
3) Get Recommendations
If you know anyone who has had a loved one in a nursing home, be sure to talk to them about their experience with the home. They may have insights you didn’t even consider. In addition, they will be able to tell you what they liked and didn’t like about their experience in dealing with the home.
If you don’t have anyone in who has had this experience, there are other ways to get recommendations. For example, look online for nursing home reviews. Ask your doctor for a list of recommended homes in the area. Reach out to your local senior services offices. They are a wealth of knowledge on all things “senior”. Once you have a few options, you can start to narrow down your choices.
Most importantly, you take your time to make this decision. It should not be made lightly as there are many cases where people are suing a nursing home for wrongful death. Be sure to do your research and visit each facility before making a final decision. The right nursing home can make all the difference in your loved one’s quality of life.
4) Tour The Facility
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start touring the facilities. This is a great way to get a feel for the overall environment of each nursing home.
On tour, pay attention to things like the cleanliness of the facility, how friendly and attentive the staff is, and whether or not the residents seem happy. These are all essential factors to consider when making your decision.
Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions during your tour. This is your chance to get all of the information you need about each nursing home before making a final decision.
5) Ask The Right Questions
When you’re touring nursing homes, asking the right questions is essential. This will help you get a better sense of the quality of care that each facility provides. Here are some essential questions to ask:
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- -How do the staff treat residents?
- -What is the ratio of staff to residents?
- -What type of training do the staff members have?
- -What are the facility’s policies for managing medication?
- -What are the facility’s policies for managing challenging behaviors?
- -How does the facility handle bedsores and pressure ulcers?
- -Is there a doctor on staff 24 hours a day?
- -Is there a nurse on staff 24 hours a day?
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By asking these critical questions, you’ll be able to get a better sense of which nursing homes provide high-quality care and which ones do not.
6) Compare Cost And Services
When narrowing down your list of potential homes, compare the cost and services of each one. Nursing homes can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure that the home you choose is affordable. In addition, each nursing home offers different services. Some homes may offer more comprehensive care than others. Choosing a home that will meet your loved one’s ongoing needs is important.
Once you’ve compared the cost and services of each nursing home on your list, begin to narrow down your choices even further. In depth research will help you to ensure that you choose the best possible nursing home for your loved one.
7) Read The Fine Print
Before you make a final decision, be sure to read the fine print. Each nursing home has its own policies and procedures. By reading the fine print, you will know what to expect from the nursing home and whether or not it is a good fit for your loved one.
Some things to look for in the fine print include:
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- -The cost of care
- -What services are included in the cost of care
- -What type of insurance is accepted
- -What is the policy on visitors
- -What are the visiting hours
- -Is there a dress code for visitors
- -Are there any restrictions on who can visit
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It’s a big decision, and it’s okay to take your time. If you do your research, ask plenty of questions, and read the fine print before making a final decision the odds of choosing a nursing home that is the best fit for your loved one are the best.
