You’ve made the decision to send one of your loved ones to a nursing home. It is a difficult decision, but it has come to the point where you are unable to provide the level of care that they require. The process of finding the right care facility can be a long and arduous task, often made worse by the suffering of a medical crisis.
So what do you look for?
The first question to ask is “how are you going to pay for the facility?” If Medicare is going to take care of the bill, then you have to find a facility that is certified by Medicare. While you might want to pay privately, at first, this can be very expensive and deplete funds quickly. You will want to look into various options, depending on your state, and see which one best suits your needs. If needed, you will want to consider consulting with an attorney specifically skilled in Elder Care.
You also want to seek out a location that is both convenient for the person going to the nursing home and close enough for them to have frequent visitors. If it is your parent, grandparent or spouse, you will want to spend as much time with them as possible. Love and attention help to make nursing home residents happier and healthier. Search for facilities that are in your city or county.
Quality is another factor in seeking out a perfect nursing home. You want to visit the facility, speak with others on their opinions of the home, and ensure that it offers benefits that will be attractive to your loved one. What kind of care do they offer? Have they specialized in the specific needs of your loved one? What do they offer in the way of extra-curricular activities? What sort of emergency care plans do they have in place and are they equipped to handle medical necessities unique to your relative?
Finally, you will want to know what hospitals are connected to or are associated with the nursing home. If your loved one becomes ill while in the nursing home, where will they go if they need more intense medical care? You do not want them going to a substandard hospital. Ask what are the procedures for keeping their room at the facility if they require an extended hospital stay?
Deciding on the proper care facility for your loved one is very important. If possible, you should decide with them on the place they will receive their care. If you need help deciding, seek out a professional who can help you make this vital choice.
