How to Choose the Right Nursing Home For Your Loved One

Below is a list of variables to consider when making your choice. Review the list and mark which are important to you.

Is this facility covered by your insurance? For how long? Under what circumstances?

Location- is it close to family and friends? Proximity to friends and family is one of the most important pieces of the decision.

Meals: do you have an option of an alternate at each meal? Are there considerations made for alternative menus such as: cardiac/renal/diabetic diets, vegetarian/vegan; kosher, weight loss/gain?

Do they offer transportation to out-of-the-facility appointments? Is this free or for an extra fee? Do they have rehabilitation available? Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy 5, 6 or 7 days a week?

Do they offer other medical services: podiatry, dental, ophthalmologist/optometrist? Do they have an activities department and what activities are available and how often: music, games, exercise groups?

Is there a chapel and/or minister available, how often? What is the staff to resident ratio?

Are there separate units for short term rehab versus long term care? Do they offer salon services? How often in the week? Do you like the general appearance: colors, lighting, and cleanliness?

Are there private or semi private rooms? Do they provide a TV and phone? Can you bring in your own furniture such as a recliner chair? Can you have pet visits?

A state regulatory agency evaluates all facilities regularly in numerous categories from food preparation to medication errors. You may consider looking at the summary to see how well they performed compared with their competition.

List all the nursing homes in your area. You can find listings in your yellow pages, online using your search engines, in your local Senior Resource guides, asking for referrals from friends, or by asking your primary care physician.

Call to schedule a visit, take a tour, and talk to some of the residents and staff.

After exploring all the options you can feel more confident in your decision.

Tips:

--Definitely take the time to visit. Being in the building and seeing the residents and staff will influence your decision.

-- Proximity is important in choosing a facility, the closer it is to friends/family, the more frequently friends and family will visit.

-- It's important to remember the old adage "there's no place like home", but you can find facilities that mirror the feelings of home.

-- Choosing a nursing home is not an exact science, you want to visit & tour your options to get the feel of the facility before making your decision.

-- You still have options- even after checking in, if you are not satisfied with your care or service, you have options and can transfer to another facility.

Warnings:

- Some facilities have been rated poorly by state regulatory agencies, the reports are available but you will have to request it.