The decision to place a parent or other elderly family member in a nursing home is not an easy one for most family members. Many adult children of elderly parents are concerned about adequate care, cost, and feelings of guilt and anxiety. Many don't know rate a nursing home, or know what's good or what's bad. Understanding at least the basics of what to look for and what to ask at various long-term care facilities or nursing homes will help make the burden of choosing one that meets the needs of your parent or loved one a little easier.
Licensing and Certification
Many nursing homes take Medicaid and Medicare, but some do not. When beginning your search for a nursing home, find out if the nursing home accepts either or both. Monthly average costs for nursing home care can be $4,000 a month or more. Be certain that the nursing home you choose is certified by the federal government, which will ensure that the home meets basic standards and has passed inspection by state accreditation surveyors.
Staff Considerations
Ask the administrator of any long-term-care facility or nursing home you're considering about the staffing. What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Are adequate staff available on evening and night shifts, and on weekends and holidays? In addition to asking such questions, visit various facilities throughout the day, evening and on weekends to see for yourself if staffing seems to be adequate or if staff appear frazzled, impatient or overwhelmed. Look through the facility and watch to see how long it takes staff to answer call lights.
Safety Issues
Many people who place elderly family members in a nursing home are concerned about security, and with good reason. Ask administrators about security measures taken to ensure safety of residents at night and within the facility itself. For example, ask if the Alzheimer's unit (if the facility has one) is separated from the general population by a coded access door that prevents dementia patients from wandering through the facility or outdoors. Ask about room assignments and arrangements, and make sure your parent's potential roommate is someone with whom your parent can get along. If not, ask about options for getting your parent moved. Ask about the facility's policy regarding closing and locking doors at night.
Comfort Level
One of the most important aspects of finding a good nursing home for an elderly parent is choosing a facility where your parent will feel safe and comfortable. When looking around the facility, look in the rooms and assess their comfort level. Ask if residents are allowed to bring their own furniture or belongings to the nursing home, or if space is limited. Look outside and determine if there is a garden or other outdoor amenities your parent can enjoy during nice weather.
Special Needs
If a parent has special needs, family members must ensure that they can be met. Ask about care for dementia patients, or those who need extra help dressing or bathing, or with mobility. This is where the patient-staff ratio comes into play.
Inspection Reports
Anyone placing a relative into a nursing facility should ask for and receive a copy of the facility's latest inspection report. If the administrator denies your request or tries to distract your request, it's time to leave. Inspections are engaged on an annual basis, and contain information regarding quality-of-life issues, nursing staff functions and procedures, adequate staffing and care considerations, and much more.
Tags: your parent, nursing home, nursing home, family members, about security, adequate staff, concerned about