| By :
Mark Etinger
Nursing homes sometimes get a bad rap, but they can be very beneficial for older folks, especially those who need 24 hour care. Whether it’s a long-term health care facility or assisted living, here are a few tips to help you choose the best nursing home out there. 1. Research the licensing requirements in your state for nursing homes. Ask to see each facility’s license and ask about the credentials of the staff. Inquire as to whether there are specialists who can work with you or your loved one, in order to give the best treatment possible. 2. The Residents’ Bill of Rights is something that every nursing home should offer. Copy it and put it on file. 3. Many nursing homes have a community type living situation. This is helpful for residents who want to socialize with older adults who have similar experiences. When it comes to food, ask to see what is in a meal, and check to see if it looks good, if possible. Survey the premises for cleanliness and happiness in the eyes of the patients, and notice if they are well taken care of. 4. Are the facilities capable of helping people with all kinds of disabilities? Wheelchairs, handrails, and other amenities are important to resident safety. Ask if there is a Social Worker on the premises and whether they encourage independence among the residents. Too much reliance on others isn’t healthy, and not enough means that you aren’t getting what you paid for. 5. Some standard nursing home supplies and amenities include air conditioning and heating, an emergency response system, regular fresh linens, housekeeping, and transportation systems. 6. Exercise and recreation is important. Classes, events and programs should be offered. A nature garden is important because white walls can drive some people crazy. What about religious services? Pay attention to the frequency of these events as well. 7. Determine what kind of health care you need. Are nurses on staff? Are there rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, or pharmacists on duty? Here, you need to have an idea of exactly what kind of medical assistance you will require, so you can ask plenty of questions. 8. If your budget is an important factor, ask about whether extra health care services are included in the monthly price. Maybe you need a nursing home that can help residents manage their finances. Does the home cover Medicare? 9. When you look for a nursing home, find one that is dedicated to continually improving their level of care. The skill of the employees and the drive to making the home the best it can be should be visible. While most of these questions you can ask directly, others you can satisfy with your gut. If this doesn’t seem like a welcoming, friendly place, then it probably isn’t. This is a home, so along with the feelings one usually has when house hunting, asking about the above criteria is necessary. Don’t settle, and feel free to ask anything else that you think is worth knowing.
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