Watching a parent or other loved one get older is difficult. For many people, there comes a time when an older relative starts to become unable to effectively care for him or herself, and when this happens, many families look into nursing homes as an option. If you’ve never had to choose a nursing home before, the process may be overwhelming. Prepare yourself by knowing what to look for and what questions to ask to make the right choice for you and your loved one.
Staff and Quality of Care
One of the most important topics to cover when assessing a nursing home will be the quality of care. What is the staff to resident ratio at the facility? What is the staff turnover? High turnover is a red flag. If staffers are quitting after six months, it likely means the facility is run badly or is understaffed, which can lead to burnout and abuse. You can read about nursing home abuse law here.
Ask about which services the facility offers, especially if your potential resident has particular conditions that may be areas of concern, like breathing problems or a hip replacement. How do staff handle residents with mobility problems? How do they prevent bedsores and infections? How long do nurses or aides spend with residents on a typical day?
Nursing homes are subject to annual inspections on behalf of Medicare and Medicaid. These annual reports are public and should be posted in each facility. You’ll want to see low deficiencies and no problems relating to maltreatment, harm, or danger to residents.
Resident Experience
To get a sense of how your loved one might fare in a particular nursing home, take the time to have conversations with some of the current residents. Try visiting a lounge or activity room to get a glimpse of what a typical daily experience looks like at that facility, and use the opportunity to chat with some of the residents there. Is the resident happy in this facility? Would she recommend it to a potential newcomer? Does she like the staff and other residents? Does she get enough medical care and attention? Does she get prompt and adequate assistance when she asks for help?
An important consideration in evaluating a nursing home facility is how much individual freedom residents are afforded. Regardless of medical issues and age-related hindrances, it’s important to remember that nursing home residents are still adults who likely want to have the freedom to live their own lives and not be herded around like cattle. Ask staff and residents if residents can wake up, go to bed, or eat meals at a time of their choosing, or if they are expected to follow a strict schedule for the convenience of the staff. The answers to these questions will let you know whether the facility is operated for the benefit of the residents or for the staff.
Enrichment Activities
No one wants to be stuck in a nursing home that is akin to a prison, where the days all blend together because every day is the same and you’re just waiting for your time to be up. A good nursing home facility should have an activities schedule that is appealing, diverse, and varied enough to keep things fresh and interesting for the residents. Ask to see some examples of monthly activity calendars. Ask whether residents have the option to spend time outside on a regular basis. Ask about what kinds of transportation are available to residents. Medical appointments are one thing, but can a resident go visit a friend or attend a grandchild’s recital? Opportunities for social activities like these are vital components for a good quality of life.
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