Tips for Selecting a Nursing Home

Every year, many families across the US make the difficult decision to check a loved one into a nursing home. While this is not an easy choice to make, it is often the safest option for an elderly or disabled adult who can no longer care for himself or herself. Before making a final decision, most families carefully research all of their options when it comes to care facilities.

If you are considering long-term care for a member of your family, you can protect his or her best interests by researching all of your options before selecting a home. There are many steps you can take to learn about and compare different places. A few tips that may help include:

• If possible, make your choice ahead of time. If your loved one is hospitalized for an unexpected injury or illness, you may need to move him or her into a home with very little time to do research. If you have family members who may need long-term care in the future, you may want to begin researching your options now.


• Call Medicare, or visit their website. This government program provides health care for retired and disabled adults. They also certify nursing homes that meet their care and safety standards. They can provide you with information about certified homes in your area, so you can easily compare and contrast.


• Make sure to research the level of care each facility provides. Different patients have different needs; some simply need quick access to medical treatments, while others need constant assistance. It is important to find a place that meets your loved one's specific needs.


• Always tour a facility before selecting it for your loved one. Make sure you view the living areas, kitchen, and bathrooms. Look for any signs of potential neglect, such as dirt, mold, or spills that have not been cleaned up.

While the decision to check a family member into a facility will never be easy, these are some steps you can take to help reduce stress and suffering for yourself and your family.