As we age, our minds and bodies become frail. And while we’re still the same people inside, we need a little more help and assistance. When there’s no care at home – or you don’t wish to burden loved ones – a nursing home is a good option.
The only question is, how do you choose the right one?
6 Tips for Making the Right Choice
There are an estimated 15,600 nursing homes in the United States with more than 1.3 million residents. In other words, you have plenty of choices. Making the right choice is about carefully weighing the factors that are most important to you and your circumstances.
Here are some suggestions to make the process go as smoothly as possible:
1. Make a Shortlist
Begin by making a list of three to five facilities in your area that you believe could be solid options. You may know the names of these nursing homes off the top of your head, or you might need to consult the internet and/or friends for referrals. The important thing is that you have a variety of care options to choose from.
2. Consider Ratings and Reputation
As much as every nursing home tries to put on a good image, the fact of the matter is that many simply don’t live up to their claims. Abuse and neglect are rampant in the industry. This is why it’s important to review ratings and reputation.
You can find access information about ratings and claims by reading online review websites and consulting local accrediting organizations. You could also speak with a local attorney. Someone who provides legal representation for victims of negligence would have a good idea of which nursing homes are good and which ones consistently attract complaints and lawsuits.
3. Visit in Person
Never make a decision without first visiting a home in person. (Ideally, you should visit multiple times.) This will give you an idea of what the conditions are like, how happy the people are, and whether there are any weird smells or alarming circumstances.
4. Ask the Right Questions
When visiting/touring a nursing home facility, schedule an appointment with the administration so that you can ask important questions like these:
- What are the staffing ratios?
- How much turnover is there?
- How many opportunities are there for residents to interact?
- How does your facility manage hygiene and/or prevent bedsores?
- How does payment work in regards to private pay, Medicaid, etc.?
- Do you have the resources to care for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
There are no dumb questions. Take as much time as you need to get the right answers. If the administration is hesitant to provide answers to your questions, this is likely an indication that you should consider other options.
5. Consider Convenience
It’s important to consider the location as it relates to convenience for friends and loved ones. The closer you are to your family, the more likely it is that they’ll visit. Think this through as you weigh the nursing home facilities on your shortlist.
6. Inquire About Costs
Now let’s address the elephant in the room: cost. Nursing homes can range in price from a few hundred dollars a month to $10,000 or more. And while you’ll have to choose a nursing home that’s affordable for your budget, don’t let price be the only determining factor.
As the saying goes, you typically get what you pay for. There’s certainly some correlation between price and quality in these facilities. If you choose the cheapest option in town, you’ll almost certainly get low-quality care. Vet your options accordingly and pay for what you can reasonably afford.
Stand Up for Your Rights
Truly, no two nursing homes are the same. Some are terrible, others are great, and even more fall into the category of “average.” If you want a nursing home that’s safe, inviting, and prioritizes your health and well-being, you’ll have to do your due diligence and patiently select the one that’s best suited to your needs and wants.