There are several simple ways to find the best nursing home for your loved one.Decide on the location and cost of the nursing home, then look for the ones that come most recommended.It's important to visit any nursing homes you're considering and ask the staff lots of questions so you have an idea of how they care for their residents.
Step 1: The nursing home should be located where you want it to be.
This will allow you to narrow down your options.If your loved one's current home is close to you, or in a completely new location, then the nursing home should be there.You'll be able to find out which nursing homes are in the area once you pick the general location.If you type "nursing homes" into an online search engine, you will get a list of nursing homes in that area.
Step 2: Depending on cost options, narrow down the nursing homes.
If you're on a budget, it's best to eliminate nursing homes that aren't affordable.It's important to know which nursing homes are covered by private medical insurance or government funding.The prices and payment options for most nursing homes will be found on their website, but if you have any questions about the cost, call the nursing home to speak to an employee who can help answer your questions.The average cost of a nursing home is around $8,000 a month.
Step 3: You can find nursing homes with good reputation.
Reach out to friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and even a local hospital's discharge planners for nursing home recommendations.You should make a list of any nursing homes others have told you about.If someone recommends a specific nursing home to you, make sure to ask them why they like it and other questions.
Step 4: Compare nursing homes using websites.
There is a website that will compare different nursing homes in the area on a single page.You will be able to see the ratings and distances of local nursing homes.There is a website that you can use to find nursing homes in the US.Ratings and reviews for nursing homes can be found online.You can use the compare tool to find nursing homes nearby with high ratings for different areas like staffing, health inspections, or quality measures.
Step 5: Ask the nursing home employees questions.
If you want to write the answer, leave a space after each one for you.Ask about things like how many residents the nursing home has, what kind of activities they provide, and how the staff handles emergencies.The more information you have, the better!If there's a registered nurse on staff at all times, how long nurses or aides spend with the residents each day, and if they offer special diet options, you might want to ask.Ask residents if they are comfortable and happy there, how long they have to wait when they ask for help, and how often they can spend time outdoors.
Step 6: You can schedule a visit to the nursing home.
Scheduling a visit will ensure someone is ready to answer all of your questions, and you will get a more complete tour.Call the nursing home to find out when and where you can visit.Visiting the nursing home will give you the best idea of whether or not it's the right fit.
Step 7: You can experience the environment at the nursing home.
If the nursing home is clean and well-kept, and the staff is nice, you should visit.Before you leave, make sure all of your questions are answered.It's a good idea to look for things like natural lighting and a telephone in each room.If you can't visit, see if a family member or friend can.
Step 8: You can find out about the quality of life at the nursing home.
This includes things like whether the residents are allowed to wake up and go to sleep at any time of the day or night, if they can eat whenever they want, and how strict the visiting hours are.A nursing home that feels homey and inviting is very similar to an actual house, giving people their freedom while they're being taken care of.
Step 9: You can bring your loved one to the nursing home to see if they like it.
You can either do this on the initial visit or go back at a different time.You might need to look at other options if your loved one doesn't feel comfortable in the nursing home after visiting.Ask your loved one if they have any specific questions about where they'll be living.
Step 10: You have to fill out the admissions paperwork.
If you call or email the nursing home, you can find out the exact process.Signing the paperwork will show that your loved one is aware of what's in the documents.Before the event you should check to see if your loved one needs a social security card.
Step 11: Determine the payment plan by completing the financial assessment.
The nursing home will need all of your loved one's financial information, such as whether they use Medicaid or Medicare, if they receive any government benefits, or have any life insurance policies.If your loved one gets federal funding, you should answer the financial questions given by the nursing home.If your loved one has a checking or savings account, the nursing home might ask about it.
Step 12: Take care of your loved one's medical and personal information.
Their insurance information, medical records, a list of medications being taken, and emergency contacts are some of the things this includes.Your nursing home will probably have a list of what they need.When writing about things like medication and health status, be specific.Your loved one's doctor will likely give them a physical before going into the nursing home, so have the doctor write out the information for any medications they're taking, such as how often to take it and the dosage amountIf your loved one has a living will, the nursing home may ask about it.
Step 13: Help the nursing home staff come up with a care plan.
The nursing home looks over the health information.What types of health services your loved one will need, how often they need the services, and what kinds of supplies it will require are all part of the care plan.What types of foods your loved one wants to eat, as well as what activities they should be involved in, are included in the care plan.The law requires a nursing home to give your loved one the help and services they need.
Step 14: Guests are invited to visit the nursing home.
It's a good idea to set up a time when your loved one will be able to see family and friends when they're in a nursing home.If the nursing home has specific visiting hours, coordinate them.It is possible that you will visit your loved one every Wednesday for dinner.If you can't visit, try scheduling a phone call or video call.You could write them letters in the nursing home.