How to Choose a Nursing Home
One of the most difficult days for a family is when they realize their loved one needs care they simply can’t provide. When that day comes, you want to ensure that the long-term care facility you choose is the best fit possible.
Unfortunately, it can be overwhelming to sort through the wide variety of nursing homes and long-term care options. How can you be sure you are choosing the facility that fits your family member’s needs and will provide them with quality care and assistance?
If you are searching for a quality facility that offers compassionate care, consider some of these critical points:
What Level of Care Does Your Loved One Need?
Do they need regular physical therapy?
Do they need skilled nursing care?
Do they have any mental conditions the staff should be aware of?
WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF STAFFING?
Consider asking these questions:
- Does your facility meet the federal guidelines stating that a nursing home needs to provide 24-hour licensed nursing services to meet the needs of each resident?
- Does your facility employ a registered professional nurse at least eight consecutive hours per day, seven days a week?
- What is your resident-to-staff ratio?
- Does the staff have access to additional training or education?
WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?
A long-term care facility or skilled nursing facility can be costly. Budget limitations may limit the number of options you have to choose from. Start by establishing a monthly budget and asking yourself:
- Will insurance cover any of the costs?
- Is your family member on Medicare or Medicaid?
- Is your family member a military veteran?
- Does your family member have money saved for this type of situation?
- Are you willing to contribute to the costs of a nursing home?
Get More Information
Do your homework. Check reviews online, compare homes using the government’s nursing home search tools, and ask around for referrals. Resources may include:
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Alabama Nursing Homes
- Google or Yelp reviews
- Eldercare Locator
- Referrals from family or friends
- Recommendations from your medical provider
What to Look for When You Visit
- Is the facility clean and well-kept?
- Do rooms look clean, linens washed, or are there strong or unpleasant odors?
- Does the facility look safe and well maintained?
- Are there tears in the carpets or rugs, stained ceiling tiles, or broken furniture or stair railings?
- Does equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs look like they are in good condition?
- Is there adequate handicapped access?
- Are a variety of activities available for residents?
- Does the food look appetizing and nutritious?
- Do the residents and staff appear to be happy and content?
- Is the staff friendly and willing to answer your questions?
- Does the facility perform a background check on new hires?
Other Things to Consider
Some requirements will vary for each family, depending on their loved one’s needs. Families may want to consider:
- Is a larger, more social facility or a smaller, quieter facility better for my loved one?
- Is the facility close enough to allow for frequent visits?
- Does the facility have flexible visitation schedules?
- What is the administration’s willingness to communicate with family members?
- What level of independence does the facility offer residents?
- What level of choice do residents have?
Warning Signs
- A history of health inspection violations
- A history of federal fines and penalties
- Past accusations of abuse or neglect
- An administration that avoids your calls or does not clearly communicate
- Unfriendly staff members
- Staff members who do not talk to residents or call residents by their names
- An unclean facility
- Residents who look unhappy
- Residents with unchanged linens or bandages
- Facilities that do not require background checks for staff
- A bad “gut feeling”
Be advised, when you do choose the right nursing home, always be sure to carefully read all contracts and paperwork provided before signing. If you do not understand something, ask questions. You may even want to consult with an attorney.
Some nursing homes insert binding arbitration contracts into their intake paperwork. These contracts mandate that any dispute a resident has with the facility must go through a process known as arbitration. Essentially, it may prevent residents and their families from filing civil lawsuits against the facility.
If you have questions or concerns about the care your family is getting in an Alabama nursing home, talk to an experienced and compassionate attorney at Gartlan Injury Law today.
