Relocating a family member to a nursing home or long term care facility can be a stressful and emotional decision. Choosing the best residence for your loved one is top priority. So how do you assess which facilities are just “good” as opposed to “great”? Consider the following when you are looking for a senior care provider:
Care Provider Credentials
Research is an important first step in finding a quality facility. First, determine what the licensing requirements are for nursing homes in your state. Make sure that each potential facility has the appropriate licenses and that they are openly displayed within the facility. Also, be sure to ask about the credentials of the facility’s staff. Verify that there is staff on hand that is trained to care for your loved one in the best possible manner, especially if they are suffering from the various types of dementia.Health Care Services
Health Care Services
An observant and attentive staff should be a main requirement for all nursing homes and long term care facilities. As we all know, that is not always the case so it is important to ask about the policies and procedures the facility has in place to ensure that all residents are receiving the best health care possible. Check to see how many residents are assigned to each nurse per shift and determine if the facility creates care plans for each of its residents.
Quality of Care and Service
Making sure that your family member is well-cared for and safe is a major concern when choosing a nursing home. Medicare.gov offers a Nursing Home Compare search on their site that provides the performance history of every Medicare and Medicaid certified provider in the United States. While visiting nursing homes, observe the level of care and service that the current residents are receiving. When a resident rings their call bell, how long is it before a staff member responds? This will indicate to you how your loved one will be treated in that situation.
Finances
Finances are a major factor in considering a nursing home or long-term care facility. First, review your financial situation and decide what you will be able to afford. Take into consideration whether or not your loved one has long term care insurance or is eligible for Medicare. You can find out about Medicare eligibility and other programs available from the American Health Care Association’s website at longtermcareliving.com. Additionally, carefully examine what you will be paying for-small fees can add up to a large charge.
Recreation
A quality nursing home or long term care facility will have programs that provide both activity and meaningful social interaction for your family member. It is vital to consider your loved one’s physical condition when choosing their new “home”. If your loved one is still active, you may want to choose a home that has outings and trips away from the facility available for their residents. Otherwise, you will want to ensure that there are social activities, such as movie nights, arts & crafts, and card games, that will keep your family member entertained, happy, and healthy.
Home Health Senior Care is here to connect you with quality senior care service providers. Contact us today to help you choose the right provider for your needs! www.homehealthseniorcare.com
