How to Choose the Right Nursing Home for Mom or Dad
Figuring out how to choose the right nursing home for your mom, dad or other loved one can be overwhelming. It is an important decision, and should be carefully considered.
It’s important for families to take the time to explore nursing home options and to carefully assess the nursing home facilities in order to choose the best care for their loved one. Below are some steps designed to assist families in choosing a nursing home.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Home (4 Steps)
1. Identify Nursing Homes in your Area
When trying to figure out how to choose the right nursing home, the first step is to identify all the possible nursing home options in your area. Asking friends, family, and other people you trust is an excellent way to begin the search for possible options, especially if you have not had personal contact with the nursing home. Doctors and hospitals can also help identify nursing home options that provide the type of care a loved one may require.
Another option is using the internet to locate nursing home facilities. The Medicare website has a locator for nursing homes and even provides some comparisons of nursing homes – an important benefit highlighted in the next step below.
2. Research the Quality of Care Provided by the Nursing Home
Using comparisons like those found on the Medicare and Medicaid websites can be a very helpful starting place for gathering information on nursing homes and the quality of care provided. Additionally, many facilities may provide survey results that can give insight into the facility’s care, this can also be a helpful tool.
Other sites that allow consumers to post reviews, like Yelp.com, can also be an important way to compare nursing homes. While best known for its restaurant reviews, Yelp also includes reviews of skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers.
3. Visit the Nursing Homes in Person
After doing ample research, it is time to visit the nursing home. Nursing homes will schedule tours for prospective residents. While there, pay close attention to the cleanliness of the facility, and the appearance of the residents. Make note of what the residents are doing and how they look. Are they engaged in activities, is there evidence of neglect, is there enough staff to attend to the patients? Ask about patient to caregiver ratios so you can compare it with other nursing homes.
Other things to consider include how the facility provides for social, religious, recreational, or cultural needs, and the types of meals they prepare. You may have the opportunity to have a meal during your visit, which will allow you to sample a meal, but also observe how the residents are treated during meal times.
Before leaving, find out who you can call if you have additional questions. Then, make a second unplanned visit at a different time or on a different day. An unplanned visit will allow you to observe the nursing home and its residents on a “normal” day.
4. Choose a Nursing Home
Making notes during the first three steps can help families go back and carefully look at the information gathered when deciding to choose a particular nursing home. If more than one facility fits the needs of your loved one, then it is important to consider cost and what is most important to your family.
Once a nursing home is chosen, the facility will have you sign an agreement outlining the parties’ duties and responsibilities. It is important to have an elder law attorney review this agreement to make sure there are no hidden provisions, like holding a child/caregiver responsible for non-payment, or a minimum number of months before a resident can apply for Medicaid.
These steps will allow families to make the best nursing home choice possible. Although, many families find themselves in sudden need of a nursing home facility after hospitalization, most have time to prepare. If time is not a factor, following these steps can help to avoid making a decision that is not best for your loved one in need of care. Any long-term care decision is made best when families are armed with as much information as possible.
McDonald Law Firm is here to help.
If you any additional questions about how to choose the right nursing home, or need assistance with reviewing a nursing home contract, applying for Medicaid, or proactively planning for Medicaid, please contact Andre O. McDonald, a knowledgeable Howard County Medicaid planning, estate planning, and special needs planning attorney at (443) 741-1088 to schedule a no obligation consultation.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE.
