Tips For Choosing The Right Nursing Home For A Senior Loved One
While deciding to take an elderly loved one to a nursing home can be difficult, it may offer relief and peace of mind knowing they’ll receive proper care from the facility staff. In fact, currently, more than five million American seniors are receiving long-term care. The good news is that there are many options when choosing a nursing home for your senior loved one. This is especially true given that there are over 15,000 nursing homes throughout the country.
The not-so-good news is that finding a suitable nursing home for a loved one from the many options can be daunting. It’s even more difficult to find a facility where your loved one will feel safe and comfortable, considering nursing home abuse has become commonplace in recent years. According to a report by the World Health Organization, about one in six seniors experience some form of abuse in nursing homes every year. However, don’t hesitate to contact The Tinker Law Firm PLLC, if you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused at a nursing home. Here are a few tips to help you choose the ideal nursing home for your loved one:
Determine What You Want
The first step to choosing a high-quality nursing home is determining what services you want from the facility. Start by listing what’s most important to you and your loved one. This is crucial since it will help you narrow down your options, making it easier to find a nursing home that meets the specific needs of your loved one.
For instance, you may want a nursing home that offers quality nursing care, hospice care, physical therapy, or even dedicated units for dementia patients. You may also want a facility that offers seniors healthy, nutritious meals, a religious connection, or somewhere close to your home so you can visit regularly. Considering what you want will make your search easier and enable you to find a nursing home that will provide the best care for your senior loved one.
COPYRIGHT_WI: Published on https://washingtonindependent.com/tips-for-choosing-the-right-nursing-home-for-a-senior-loved-one/ by Katharine Tate on 2023-05-03T11:00:42.465Z
Ask for Recommendations
Seek recommendations from friends and relatives who have used nursing homes. Recommendations from people with first-hand experience with nursing homes can speed up your search and help you narrow down your options. You may also gain valuable insights into the quality of care and residents’ satisfaction at your chosen nursing homes.
Ask healthcare providers and social workers which local nursing homes they know provide quality care. You may even check with your family doctor if they have any recommendations. While asking for recommendations, it’s important to remember that your loved one’s needs may differ from those of other people.
Research Online
Gone are the days when you had to visit state regulatory buildings to review paper files. Today, online resources and digital libraries for nursing homes allow you to conduct research faster and from the comfort of your home. These online resources include inspection reports and rating sites for nursing homes. These sites rank nursing homes based on existing state data. For instance, you can utilize your state’s long-term care ombudsman to research the current condition of a facility you’re considering.
Additionally, Medicare has an online tool that can be helpful in finding and comparing nursing homes in your local area. The system ranks nursing homes based on inspection reports, staffing quality measures, and vaccination rates. It also provides valuable information about each nursing home, which you can use to narrow down your options.
Check There’s Enough Staffing
It’s also important to ensure the nursing home you’re considering has enough staffing to provide high-quality care to residents. A nursing home with a good resident–to–staff ratio can help prevent seniors from feeling neglected or the caregivers from being overworked. Make sure the nursing home you choose for your loved one has enough professionals and staffing to cater to their needs at demand.
The staffing should also include professionals well-trained in their specialty areas, whether medical or non-medical fields. The staff should have enough medical attendants, personal care assistants, aides, and certified nurse assistants to assist residents with daily personal care.
There should be enough healthcare practitioners who visit the nursing home regularly, including physical therapists, doctors, wound care specialists, nurses, and family counselors. This will ensure your elderly family member gets proper care and support to help them recover faster. Staff members should also be compassionate, kind, and respectful to help residents feel comfortable and safe during their stay.
Safety and Security
Safety is one of the most key factors to consider when looking for a nursing home for senior loved ones. Typically, the facility should have CCTV cameras, emergency push buttons, handrail-equipped hallways, smoke detectors, well-lit rooms, and corridors, as well as strong entrances and exits. Usually, a secure facility will make your loved one appreciate the comfort and feel secure. Furthermore, knowing that your loved one is safe will also give you peace of mind.
Size and Location of the Nursing Home
Ideally, you should consider sending your loved one to a nursing home that allows you to pay them regular visits. Additionally, the facility’s location should be close enough for other family members to offer support whenever necessary. Generally, a convenient location allows for family and friends to visit regularly.
The size of the nursing home facility is another crucial factor you should consider. Ideally, the facility should have ample space for the senior members to walk outdoors. Additionally, the facility should be easily accessible for the residents to enjoy their stay.
High-Quality Care
Every senior resident has unique emotional and physical needs. The best nursing homes have a well-customized care plan for each resident. This allows the staff to cater to whatever illness or disability your loved one might have. Moreover, most seniors are at an age where they require regular medical care. The facility should have well-trained doctors and nurses who are just a call away to respond to any medical emergencies and give proper treatment. Nonetheless, every senior care facility should be well-equipped with all the necessary technology to aid the staff in providing proper medical assistance.
Endnote
The best nursing homes for seniors are not just about fancy rooms and luxurious amenities. Of greater importance is that your loved one gets the freedom to remain active while being well taken care of. It’s also crucial that your loved one doesn’t feel isolated from society. The staff interacting with the seniors is key in making them feel at home and thus comfortable. Ensure your loved one is cared for by people who understand and respect the elderly. By so doing, you can rest assured that your senior loved one is in good hands.
About The Authors
Katharine Tate - I’m a native of Massachusetts, where I earned bachelor's degrees in Health, Science, Society, and Policy and Sculpture from Brandeis University. I enjoy assisting and inspiring women in all aspects of their lives, and I consider myself a partner in their OB an GYN treatment. I particularly enjoy forming relationships with young women and assisting them in determining their healthcare needs and goals. I love to travel, create metal and fiber art, cook, and spend time outside. Also, I’m fluent in both German and American Sign Language.
