The reasons you are looking at a nursing home can vary from those of the next person. Everyone has their personal reasons for needing extra help outside of the home – from a short-term illness to dementia to ongoing care for aging. It is important that you make an informed decision about the facility you select and plan ahead for the unexpected.
You may also have additional long-term care needs, such as home care or assisted living. Before opting for a nursing home, look into these options to see if they are available in your area and covered by your insurance. If you have Medicare, you will need to review your coverage and how nursing home care is paid for under your policy.
Tips for Picking the Best Nursing Home
If you are looking for a nursing home facility after a hospital stay, the hospital may be able to recommend a few facilities to visit first. If, however, you are looking for a nursing home without previous hospital admittance, you may need to do some research on your own or turn to a physician for some recommendations. Even after you have a list of potential providers, you should do your own investigation to make sure they are adequate for your loved one.
- Consider what is important. Your loved one will have certain care needs that are important, such as specialized meals, physical therapy or perhaps even a religious connection. See if the facility you are selecting can meet those needs or at least some of them. Also, make sure the facility is close to family and friends so that they can easily visit.
- Ask for suggestions from family and friends. Your family, friends and even coworkers may have a nursing home facility that they can personally recommend as well. Use these suggestions to broaden your list of options.
- Call each facility. Get in touch with the facilities on your list and ask questions that include how many residents they have, how much staff is present, and if they have nurses or medical doctors on-site at all times.
- Visit the facility. After you have narrowed down your list to three or so nursing homes, make plans to visit the facility. You will want to meet with the nursing director and the home director. Ask about their Medicare and Medicaid certifications, see if they are handicap accessible, and then inspect residents to see if they are well-groomed, clean and cared for. Also, interview care staff to see if they are warm, kind and a good fit for your family member.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions. The more questions you ask staff and the directors, the more you can identify about how the facility operates. If you notice strong odors, ask the staff to explain their source. Also, ask about how long the director has worked at that facility, how food is handled and what social services they offer to their residents.
- Visit the facility again unannounced. The next time you visit, make sure that you show up unexpectedly. This can ensure that you see the facility as it is every day – rather than when they purposely set it up for a potential resident visit.
Hold Irresponsible Nursing Homes Accountable for Their Neglect
If your loved one was injured due to abuse or neglect in a nursing home, that nursing home needs to be held accountable for their actions. You trust that nursing home to take care of your loved one when you are not able to and you pay them heartily for such. The attorneys at Schwartzapfel® Lawyers, P.C. will assist you in filing your claims, reports and seeking compensation for your loved one’s injuries. Contact us online with your questions or call 1-877-737-4806 to schedule a free consultation.
