If you are looking for a good nursing home for yourself or a loved one you owe it to yourself to spend the time to pick out one that is suitable. Remember, not all nursing homes are created equal and vary greatly in terms of price and quality.
The first thing you should do is to make up a short list of homes in the area you want to visit. Good sources are the yellow pages and of course the internet. Don't forget to ask friends and acquaintances as many people have loved ones in nursing homes and you will be able to get a first hand account of the quality of the home from them.
Always check local state agencies for any complaints or disciplinary actions against the homes on your list. If they have had any recent infractions or citations you might want to cross them off your list.
Now that you have your potential homes finalized it's time for the onsite visit. If you are looking for a loved one you might want to make the initial visit alone and if it meets your standards you can bring them on your next visit to get their reactions. If they are not happy before they move in the odds are will not be happy once they do.
It is vitally important to let them have input into the decision making as much as possible so they are comfortable with the final choice. Of course, reality often dictates one home over another due to factors such as cost but try and be patient and explain the situation to them as best you can.
During the visits be sure and take your time and make notes if necessary. A good idea is to make up a checklist that you can use for each visit so you will have an easier time comparing several homes.
Here are some things to put on your checklist:
Cleanliness
Is the home neat and clean? Check public and private areas thoroughly. Ask to see some current resident's rooms and be sure you visit the kitchen. Any signs of insects or rodents should be a red flag.
Property Maintenance
Make sure the facility is being maintained properly. This is not only for aesthetics but also health reasons. Are the grounds properly maintained? Are there signs of building neglect such as a leaky roof or broken windows?
Resident Activities
Are there planned activities for the residents? How often? Do they have an exercise program to keep resident's active and alert?
Staff Attitude
Is the staff courteous and helpful? Do they readily answer questions as any hesitation to answer might mean they are hiding something? Will they let you inspect the home without them present?
Food Quality
Try the food to see if it is tasty. Check to be sure that nutritional requirements are being met.
Special Rules and Regulations
Are there any special rules or regulations you need to be aware of?
Medical Support
Is there qualified onsite medical staff and are there procedures in place for emergency care?
Resident's Attitude
Do the residents seem happy or are they lethargic and depressed looking? Try and speak to them without any staff present to get their opinions of the home. Be aware that some elderly people may be suffering from some form of mental incapacitation that might cause them to say things that aren't true.
While going to a nursing home to live out your golden years might not seem like a pleasant prospect to many if you take the time to choose a good home for yourself or loved one you will often find it is a very satisfying way of life overall with the opportunity to make new friends, enjoy stimulating activities and the assurance that nutritional and medical needs are being met.
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