If the time has come for you to locate a nursing home for your elderly parent, you want the best you can find.
You can research the matter in different ways but visiting facilities and asking questions will provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
Finding recommendations
Ask your doctor, your attorney, friends and other family members for nursing home recommendations. You can then perform research online to find out if the nursing homes are licensed. They should comply with the appropriate federal and state regulatory requirements. Those that provide high-quality care for residents will also carry a 4- or 5-Star Quality Rating from Medicare. You should find no serious deficiencies listed on state surveys.
Managing resident care
The nursing home you finally choose for your parent should provide person-centered care. The rooms of residents should appear comfortable and homey. Residents should have as much freedom and privacy as possible and be able to choose how they bathe, dress and eat every day. They should also be able to enjoy a range of daily activities.
Visiting facilities
When your research provides a list of possible nursing home candidates, call the ones that most interest you and schedule a tour. When you visit, ask to see all the public areas, the kitchen and resident rooms. Speak with the residents themselves to learn about their experiences. Ask about safety, not only what safety features there are in each facility but also what kind of safety procedures are in place specifically for residents. The answers to your questions will be telling. Your personal investigation and research will go a long way in helping you choose the best nursing home for your parent.