Choosing a nursing home for you or someone you love is one of the most important decisions you can make. This will make an impact on how you will live the rest of your life, and even on longevity. There are countless horror stories about poor care in nursing homes and you don’t want to be the next one. You should also check if nursing homes are the right environment for you. Let’s take a look at a few questions that should be asked when picking a nursing home.
Does the Location Make Sense?
First of all, you have to look at the location. The biggest issue people face when they’re looking for a nursing home is choosing between a highly ranked nursing home that is farther away versus a more accessible location with a lower ranking. You have to find a happy medium between the quality of care and convenience. The first thing we would suggest is that you run an online search. Directories like Caring Advisor allow you to search nursing homes near me and check locations within a certain radius anywhere you are in the country. Go for a location that will be easily accessible and that’s a reasonable drive. There’s no point in sending a loved one to a great home if they’re completely isolated.
What’s the Staff Turnover?
A nursing home that retains its employees is a good sign, so try to find out how stable their staff is and speak with some of the longest-standing employees they may have. Also, you have to know if they assign caregivers to specific residents. Consistent assignment is very important as it will allow residents and caregivers to build bonds. Caregivers will also get to know the people they work with and anticipate their needs.
Another thing you should know is how much time these caregivers and nurses spend with residents every day. This is key, especially if you or your loved one has specific needs.
What Kind of Services Do You Offer?
This one is also important for people with special needs. Memory care is also very important if you’re noticing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. It could be the difference between life and death, so you need to take it seriously. Stories of residents getting lost happen all the time, and it’s usually because they had either no or poor supervision. People with respiratory issues may also need special care, so these are all things you’ll have to look at.
How Do You Deal with Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores are something not all nursing homes know how to deal with or even care about. So, ask the facility what their protocol for preventing pressure sores is. Bed-bound residents have to be moved at least every two hours to prevent them so, if their protocol doesn’t mention any of these or they give you a vague answer, look elsewhere.
These are all things that will need to be clarified before you pick a nursing home. Take the time to choose wisely, and look at as many options as you can before picking one.
