Somewhere between 1.4 and 1.5 million Americans live in nursing homes. Is your loved one in need of nursing home care? If so, you probably have a lot of questions.

Whether your loved one is staying for short-term rehab or will be a long-term resident, the level of care and comfort is important.

We all want the best for our loved ones, so as you begin choosing a nursing home, you should consider these factors.

1. Location and Size

Location is probably one of your most important considerations. Your loved one probably wants to be near family. If you have other family members in various locations, you will have to decide what area is best and how often people can visit.

The size is another important factor. Is your loved one more quiet or social and outgoing? These could be major factors when choosing a smaller more quaint nursing home versus a larger one with more residents.

Explore the areas of the nursing home. Are there outside areas for the person to get some fresh air? Are these areas easily accessible and safe?

Are there quiet areas if your loved one doesn’t want to socialize? Will they have to share a room? How big is the room, and will it fit their most prized belongings?

2. Consider Needs

What is important to you? Does your loved one need physical therapy, nursing care, hospice care, special care for dementia, or religious connection?

All nursing homes offer long-term care, but there are also other services and health care options. Some services are just to meet the overall quality of life like meals and nursing care.

You should visit during mealtime when making the decision to see how residents act and view their different meal options. Other services include activities to make the living experience more enjoyable.

You can also find other units for rehabilitation, so you should check for transition services. If your loved one doesn’t plan to live there long-term, are there options for transition care? You can also consider home care in Milwaukee after your loved one has improved enough to come home.

3. Check Out the Staff

The staff cares for your loved one, so you need to examine their expertise, professionalism, and attitude. You should be sure to ask the staff plenty of questions and observe how they interact with patients as you visit each nursing home.

Watch for them treating residents with respect, warmth, and an empathetic attitude. How do you feel after talking to them? How does your loved one feel?

Ask the administration about the training and education of the staff. Check for any violations, which are large red flags. There should also be a licensed nurse at the facility at all hours.

Watch for a high staff turnover rate. This could signal other problems, so don’t be afraid to ask the staff these questions and watch body language when they answer.

Finding a Nursing Home

Picking a nursing home is not an easy decision. As you go through various nursing homes, trust your gut, and do your research. Ask around for referrals from healthcare providers, friends, and neighbors.

If you need more advice, keep checking out our site for answers. You can find other tips to help you make decisions with various areas of life.