If it is time to consider a nursing home for your mom or dad, you want only the best.
Considering the high costs of care, you need to find a facility that meets your parent’s requirements as well as your own comfort level. Here are four tips to get you started.
1. Look into compliance
The nursing home you choose must be a licensed facility that complies with all state and federal regulations. If it is also accredited through the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, so much the better. The nursing home should have a 4- or 5-star rating from Medicare attesting to its quality.
2. Investigate person-centered care
You should be able to determine that staff treats all nursing home residents with respect and that your parent will have as much freedom, privacy and choice as possible. For example, residents should have choices about what they eat and when they bathe and dress.
3. Ask about caregiver turnover
Find out about staff turnover rates. The lower the rate, the more satisfied the employee. Low turnover is positive and usually means better care for the residents.
4. Schedule a tour
Call any nursing home that interests you and arrange for a tour. Ask about the kinds of patients the home accepts. Does it take very ill or frail patients? This may have a bearing on its Medicare rating. The facility should have good safety measures in place and a written plan to follow in the event of an emergency. The rooms should be cheerful and feel homey. During your tour, visit all floors and public areas. Talk to residents. In Pennsylvania, the cost of nursing homes can be as high as $10,000 a month. You want to ensure that your mom or dad has the best care available.