One of the most important decisions you can make for an aging loved one is selecting the correct nursing facility. As a result, the key to making the right choice is research. First, start by checking the government nursing home rating website by clicking the following link - www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp. This website provides detailed information about every medicare and medicaid certified nursing home in the country. You may search by the names of individual nursing homes or for all of the facilities in a geographical area. It will also provide objective information such as:
- Health inspection reports;
- Fire safety inspection reports;
- Staffing rates;
- Quality measures; and
- A five star rating system.
Once you have ruled out the bad apples and narrowed your search, begin your investigation on a local level. Speak with your family and friends about their experiences with the nursing homes you are considering. Were they happy? What problems or concerns did they have with the facility? Did their loved one engage in daily activities? What did they notice when they visited the facility? Also, speak with your loved one’s internist who should have a good handle on the facilities in the area. Finally, contact your Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman visits nursing homes throughout the year to make sure each resident receives proper care. He or she can provide general information about each nursing home, and also help you compare each nursing homes’ strengths and weaknesses.
Once you have tailored your search to your final choices, visit each nursing home personally. Take a tour of the entire facility. Find out what you can expect from the facility – were there ongoing activities and opportunities for social interaction? Did the facility have a warm feeling to it or was it setup like an institution? Was it clean with a pleasant smell? Were any of the residents left unattended and in need of care? Was the staff pleasant and helpful? Was the facility properly secured?
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