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Choosing a Nursing
Home - Things to Consider
We
have provided you with a detailed list of specific considerations that we
hope will help you make your decision on which nursing home is right for
you or your loved one.
Quality
of Care
Location
of the Nursing Home
Cost
Eligibility
Socialization/Activities
Living
Space
Appearance
of the Nursing Home
Quality
of Care
Obtain
the annual inspection report of the Health Care Financing Administration.
Nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid payments must be
inspected annually. The
nursing home must provide this report if requested.
Location
of Nursing Home
Choose
a home that is close to family and friends so they can visit frequently.
If public transportation is a need, choose a home located near pick
up and drop off points.
Cost
Request
an admissions contract. Get
written information about what happens when the source of payment changes
from private pay to Medicaid. Determine
what sources are included in the daily living price.
Eligibility
Most
states have two licensing levels, intermediate and skilled.
These levels are based on the resident’s mental and physical
needs and capabilities.
Socialization
and Activities
A
variety of activities should be posted on a calendar to stimulate
participation.
Activities
should be offered daily and structure is a must. Some homes offer routine activities ranging from exercise to
arts and crafts. Investigate!
Ask staff, residents and other visitors.
A good sign is if there are volunteers who are involved from the
community. Also check out visiting policies (i.e. in home visits, out of
home visits).
Living
Space
Many
nursing homes have residents who share a room with another resident.
This most likely will require much adjustment on the part of both
residents. Personal items can be apart of the room, but space is usually
limited to essentials. Be sure to permanently label all personal belongings.
Use care in helping the elder select familiar belongings, check
with administration about televisions, radios, and or a “comfy chair.”
Appearance
of the Home
Check
for cleanliness of ALL rooms. Note the condition of bathrooms, dining,
Rooms,
and virtually all rooms. Is
the home bright and cheery, or more institutional looking?
Are the grounds suitable for the residents to sit, walk or be
walked with a walker or wheelchair? Is
this area well lit? Check to
see if the food is nutritious, good tasting and ask, "Is there family
dining available?" Again
talk to other residents and their families. Remember nursing home patients
need to be treated with respect and dignity.
When possible the nursing home candidate should be given the
opportunity to make or assist with their life’s decisions.
Though the placement of a loved one in a nursing home is enduring,
it can also prove to be sound solution, if the right match is met.
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