|
How to Choose a Nursing Home That's Right For Your Loved One
Searching for and selecting a nursing home may seem like a daunting task. The decision will probably be easier than you think.
If asked the question, "Do you think you will ever live in a nursing home?" most people answer, "no." The reality is that each year more than a million people enter U.S. nursing homes. Planning for the "future" (perhaps only months away), allows individuals to choose a long-term care facility that best serves their needs or those of a loved one. A few important reasons to plan:
- Provides time to research facilities
- Provides time to involve elder parents, who want a voice in choosing their new "Home."
- Lessens emotional and physical stress.
When the time comes to have someone care for you or a loved one, your long-term care decision should already be made.
There are many long-term care facilities in the area. The search can be overwhelming. Where should one begin?
Recruit a Team - Choosing the right nursing home is an important decision. A team comprised of family, friends, physicians and clergy allows everyone to voice their opinion. It ensures that your choice is not made alone.
Make a List - Start your list using word-of-mouth recommendations. Often, you'll hear the same names again and again. Be sure that the facilities or your list are close enough to allow friends and family to visit often.
Once a list of nursing homes is made, is it best to schedule an appointment or to stop by unannounced?
Visiting a Facility - Schedule the first appointment with the admissions director who will be able to answer most any question you have about the facility. Some individuals believe that if they have an appointment, they'll only see the best parts of the facility. It's hard, however, to disguise a nursing home with something to hide. The tour should encompass the entire facility. Your second visit should be unannounced. A second drop-in visit allows you to observe resident and staff interactions more closely and to speak with residents and their families.
How can caregivers and those they care for determine the "right time" for a nursing home?
Usually, a significant life event occurs, and the need for a nursing home becomes apparent. Many times the decision is simple because a person is transferred directly from the hospital to a nursing home for rehabilitation. Having previously researched nursing homes works to your benefit. You may contact the hospital discharge planner and request a specific facility for rehabilitation and your request will be honored if a bed is available.
Generally though, the reasons for entering a nursing home for long-term care are more complex. The turning point is often an event that compromises a person's safety. In other cases, a person is simply not strong enough to maintain housekeeping or has a medical condition requiring more care than family members can give.
What can one expect when visiting a nursing home? What is the interview and admission process like?
First, you'll meet with an admissions representative. The admissions director will discuss medical conditions and special needs to ensure that these needs can be met. Admissions personnel expect that you'll ask many questions. They understand that medical and insurance jargon may be new to you. No question is a silly question. Bring a pad and paper with your list of questions. Then, relax and enjoy the next phase of your visit, the tour.
What questions should a person ask during the visit? What sort of things should people look for while touring nursing facilities?
During your initial conversations with the admissions director, ask about the ownership and management of the facility. Find out what the owner's role is in the management of the facility. Raise any concerns that you have regarding rehabilitation, recreation, nursing or dietary needs.
Most importantly, let your senses ask the questions. Many times it is what the facilities don't tell you that is most telling about a nursing home. A good quality facility should arouse the senses, not offend them.
Eyes
Look for a well maintained facility. Be sure to check for safety features, including hallway handrails that are free of clutter that impedes movement and floors that are free of spills that could cause a fall. All residents should be dressed in clean, appropriate, seasonal clothing.
Ears
Listen to the interactions between the staff and residents. Listen for their understanding, compassion and enthusiasm while working with the elderly.
Nose
The facility should smell clean. The only aroma should come from a freshly prepared lunch as it is served in the dining room or to a resident's room.
Sixth Sense
It's what you don't see, don't hear, don't smell and can't touch that should impress you. After visiting a high quality nursing home, you should come away with the feeling that the Residents are treated with dignity and respect.
Why is it so important to fill out an admission application immediately?
Rooms at excellent nursing homes are in high demand. Completing an application early on in the process could mean the difference between waiting a few days or months for the next available bed. Completing the paperwork before placement is best, making things easier if a crisis should arise. This does not put you under any obligation. It simply means that your name is closer to the top of the list.
Nursing homes are inspected each year. What is the significance of this inspection? How can consumers get a copy of the report?
Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing facilities (those that receive reimbursement for medical costs from the state and federal government) undergo annual state and federal inspections. The survey results are public information and should be readily available at any facility upon request. Keep in mind that good quality facilities may be cited for deficiencies. These should be minor. Read the corresponding plan that has been developed to correct any deficiencies. Problems should have been corrected promptly. Be sure to review past surveys, putting more weight on the most recent surveys. Recurring or severe problems are a sign of a poorly managed facility. Ask the admissions director if the facility is certified and ask them to point out the certificate in the facility.
What if my loved one is extremely unhappy at the nursing home I choose?
It takes a bit of time for a person to adjust to living in any new home. Remember the butterflies in your stomach when you left for college or moved to a new neighborhood. To ease the transition, urge friends and family members to visit often. Speak with the recreation director to ensure that your loved one is involved in activities that meet his or her interests and needs. If the unhappiness persists, enlist the help of the facility social worker. Try to identify the reasons for their unhappiness. Perhaps a simple roommate change would make a difference. The important thing to note is that placement in a long-term care facility is not set in stone. If something blatantly wrong occurs, a change to a different facility can usually be accomplished quickly - as soon as a bed becomes available in another facility.
Where can we find more information?
Word of mouth is the best reference. There are, however, many other excellent resources starting with the local long term care ombudsman. Ombudsmen visit nursing homes to investigate complaints, advocate for residents and mediate disputes. They have great knowledge about the quality of life and care inside area nursing homes. In addition, every state's Department of Public Health provides information regarding complaints that are filed against nursing facilities. Be sure you understand the nature of the complaints and the facility's plans to correct them. Finally, visit your local library and review Choosing a Nursing Home by Seth B. Goldsmith. This handy reference provided lists of great questions to ask during your tours.
|
