Choosing a nursing home is a nerve-wracking process. What do you look for? How do you know which one is best? When choosing a nursing home for a loved one, keep the following in mind.
Show Up Unannounced - When choosing a nursing home, do not make an appointment, just show up. When you show up unannounced, you will get a much better idea of how well the nursing home operates. Upon arrival, ask the person in charge to give you a tour of the nursing home. Pay special attention to cleanliness. Lack of cleanliness is a sure sign of problems. Request a tour of the entire facility, including residents' rooms, the kitchen, dining room, and more when choosing a nursing home.
Is it Homey? - When choosing a nursing home, look for a nursing home that nurtures residents. Look for a "homey" environment. A nursing home with a homey feel may be more nurturing than an expensive, slickly decorated facility.
What is the Attitude of the Staff? - Do the staff members answer your questions directly? Do they have to "think" before answering? Are they helpful and courteous to you? Do they try to keep you from inspecting certain areas of the nursing home? These are questions to keep in mind when speaking to the staff while choosing a nursing home.
Speak With Residents - As your tour the nursing home, say hello to the residents and judge their responses. Do they seem happy and socialized or introverted and nervous? Do the residents seem to like the staff members? Ask the residents if they like living at the nursing home. Disgruntled residents will be more than happy to share their concerns with you. When choosing a nursing home, get a feel for the residents. Do they feel safe and content?
Look at the Residents - While touring a nursing home, notice resident appearance, where the residents are, and what they are doing. You want to see residents in outdoor sitting areas, activity rooms, and dining rooms in social situations. If you see residents sitting in their rooms with doors open, especially while being dressed or bathed, move on to the next nursing home. Privacy and dignity are important to nursing home residents. Lack of privacy and dignity is a bad sign of neglect and something you do not want to see when choosing a nursing home.
How is the Food? - Be sure to see the kitchen where food is prepared during your tour. If the nursing home does not want you to see the kitchen, move on to another nursing home. When choosing a nursing home, you want to see a clean kitchen where food is stored properly. Look in cupboards and inside the refrigerator. Make sure clean, filtered drinking water is readily available. Ask if a licensed dietician plans the meals. Find out how the nursing home keeps records of food allergies. Ask how the nursing home serves meals.
Take a Whiff - Bad odors are a sign of an unclean facility and a sign of possible neglect. You do not want to place your loved one in an unsanitary nursing home, move on.
Notice Quality - When choosing a nursing home, notice the quality of care and the special needs provided to residents. Get a feel for the quality of care provided.
Show Up For a Second Tour - Show up for a second tour of the nursing home. You will notice different things than at the first tour.
Ask Questions - What is the ratio of caregivers to patients? May I see the staffing schedule?
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