To have to choose a long-term care facility for a loved one may feel overwhelming. According to the National Institute on Aging, long-term care may include 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, physical, speech and occupational therapy and more. When bringing your loved one to a nursing home or long-term care facility, you want to breathe easy about your choice.
Fortunately, there are tips available for choosing a nursing home.
Research facilities
Before you plan a visit to a long-term care facility, do your research. You can search the internet for long-term facilities that match your needs. For instance, think about what your loved one needs. Does he or she have religious needs? Does your loved one want to stay close to family? Call different homes and determine whether the home fits your family’s needs.
Make visits to the facilities
Do not choose a facility without seeing it first. You should visit the facility and meet with the director and nursing director. Ensure the facility has a Medicare and Medicaid certification and accessibility for persons with disabilities and healthy residents. When you arrive at the nursing home, ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions that may reveal problems with the long-term care facility.
Re-read the contract
Once you select a nursing home, you should read the contract more than once. Do not sign a contract if you experience any confusion. If you worry about the facility’s state, you can ask for an inspection report to ensure the facility is certified.
Learning all you can about the facility makes the decision-making process more manageable.