Health Tip: Choosing a Nursing Home
September 24, 2009, 2:18 PM ET
• 1 min read
Sept. 24 -- (HealthDay News) -- If you're evaluating nursing homes for a loved one, there are many things to consider and a lot of questions to ask.
The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers these guidelines:
Consider proximity to family and friends.Note the resources offered by each home that may apply to your loved one, such as whether it provides dementia care.Question family, friends and nearby residents to get a feel for each home and its quality of care.Take a tour of each home and ask many questions of the staff. Evaluate whether each home is certified by Medicare/Medicaid and offers handicap access.Also pay attention to whether the residents look happy and well-cared for, and if there seems to be enough staff on hand to care for all residents.Meet with each home's director, social worker, or chief of nursing. Ask about staff turnover, particularly in management positions.Stop by unannounced to have another look; see what's going on when the staff isn't expecting a visitor.Make sure you fully understand the details of the contract, costs and any waiting lists.