The decision to move a loved one to a next level of care is a highly personal decision, often influenced by finances and community support. Have your needs or that of a loved one come to a point where a family caregiver is not enough and a nursing home is needed? Researching nursing homes well in advance of the decision to move to a higher level of care can help you feel confident in your decision. While there are many factors that impact this decision, these key points can help you make the best decision possible when the time for long-term care comes:
Location and size. Location may be one of the most important factors. If you are the one needing care, you will want to be as close to your family as possible. As the family of the person needing care, consider whether the commute to and from the facility will be too much after a long day of work. Size may also be very important. Is the person needing care more introverted and quiet, or more social and outgoing? Would a place with a lot of other people around be better? Or would they prefer quiet areas and spaces where residents can choose their own activities?
Services available. While all nursing homes provide some level of care, the specific services offered can widely vary. This can be relevant to the treatment that the person needing care requires, or it could be services related to quality of life, such as meals and dining.
Staffing. The staff members are the people who will be ensuring the safety of your loved one, and their attitude, expertise, and professionalism can be extremely important. Always ask questions about the staff and spend time observing them before making a decision. Look for staff who possess skilled nursing care and personal care, but also demonstrate a polite, warm, and respectful relationship between staff and residents. Even something as simple as knocking before entering a resident’s room and using his or her name can tell you a lot about the staff.
For more assistance with nursing home and long term care planning, please get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment.