How to Choose the Right Nursing Home
Unfortunately if you are looking for a new nursing home it might be because your first choice did not work out. Below are some simple takeaways in helping you find a good nursing home
- Taste the food yourself; it gives you an idea of the quality of what your loved one is eating and if your money is going towards it or not.
- Listen; does the staff sound professional? Are they communicating to your loved ones professionally? And what about the residents? Do they sound happy? Do they sound sad? Are there loud moans, is what you are hearing a sign of neglect?
- Watch; Keep an eye on the staff and the residents. Does it look like the staff are handling issues or problems efficiently and in a timely manner?
- Smell; A foul odor can happen in a nursing home from time to time, but a constant odor is most likely a sign that the facility is not being cleaned properly or on a schedule.
- What is the staff/resident ratio? Does it look like your loved one will get the care they need? Does the staff look overworked? Do they look like they are always just ready to get home, after collecting their paycheck?
- What is staff to staff interaction? Do you see staff being rude to eachother? If they are rude with eachother they are most likely going to be rude to your loved one.
- What are the nursing home protocols for emergency issues, falls, sudden change in residents mindset?
- Is the facility Medcare and Medicaid certified?
- has the facilities license ever been revoked?
- Is there a waiting period for new admissions?
- How many LICENSED nurses are on duty each shift, how many are there total?
- What is the visiting policy?
- What is the discharge policy?
- Is transportation readily available to the resident at all times?
- Are there security, alarms, cameras, etc?
- Is the facility very handicap accessible; ramps, handrails, push button doors, etc
- What are the resident activites available?
- Are there meal choices at all meal times?
- How is food nutrition?
- What are their patients rights, are they posted anywhere in the facility or on the website?
- Does it feel like home?
