A nursing home is a facility that caters for people who are unable to take of themselves and their loved ones aren’t always there to supervise them. These facilities usually offer services such as nursing care, meal preparation and feeding, help with everyday activities and around the clock supervision. Rehabilitation services like physical, occupational as well as speech therapy are ideally provided.
Some individuals stay at these facilities for a short while after being in the hospital and go home after they recover. However, most nursing home residents stay there permanently as they have mental or physical conditions that call for around the clock supervision and care.
If you have to go to a nursing home after being admitted to the hospital, the staff can help you look for one that will cater to your needs. You can also ask your doctor for recommendations as they usually have networks in these kinds of facilities. Once you have a few options, it is a good idea to do the following:
1. Consider
Have any of their nursing home residents experienced injuries? Are they free and clear from any existing lawsuits? What’s important to you? Is it nursing care, physical therapy, three meals a day, hospice care or special care for dementia? Are you looking for a facility that is closed to your loved ones so that they can visit you at their convenience?
What’s important to you? Is it nursing care, physical therapy, three meals a day, hospice care or special care for dementia? Are you looking for a facility that is closed to your loved ones so that they can visit you at their convenience?
2. Ask For Recommendations
It’s ideally worth asking loved ones, relatives and friends what places they may recommend according to this senior placement agency. As mentioned earlier, you can also ask healthcare providers which facilities they think are the best for the services that you are looking for.
3. Call
The next step is to get in touch with each nursing home on your list. Ask relevant questions like the services they offer, how many residents they have and the costs for what you need. You should also inquire about waiting lists.
4. Visit
It is advisable to schedule an appointment with the nursing director and administrator. When you visit each facility, you should look for:
-Handicap access
-Medicaid and Medicare certification
-Residents who look taken care of
-Warm interaction between the residents and the staff members.
5. Talk
Do not be afraid to ask questions while on the facility. For example, ask the employees to explain any bad smells. This can be a sign of a problem. You may ideally want to find out how long the heads of nursing and director have been in the facility. If key members of the nursing home change often, it could mean there is a problem.
6. Make a Second Visit
This time, do not call ahead so that you take a look at what normally goes on. Pick a day when you are likely to meet other employees and different activities. You can stop by during meal time and see what the food looks like and whether the dining room looks clean and attractive.
7. Understand
Once you pick the right facility, ensure you thoroughly go through the contract. Question the director about anything you do not comprehend and ask a good relative or friend to also go through it before you sign.
