When it comes time to find professional nursing care for a loved one, the decision can be an emotional one. You are trusting strangers to take care of your beloved family member and you want to make sure that they are in the best possible hands. How do you know which nursing home is right for them?
When you dive into deep research, you will be able to find the best nursing home that not only meets all of your requirements but also provides the best possible care for your loved one. Naturally, it can be overwhelming!
So to help you get started, here are the top five things to consider when choosing nursing care.
Location, Location, Location
Where the nursing home is situated will always be a top consideration. Do you want your loved one to be close to home so that family and friends can easily visit? Or would you prefer a location that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city? There are nursing homes located in all kinds of areas, so it depends on your preference.
You also want to ensure that it is in a safe neighborhood and that the surrounding area is well-maintained. If your loved one has health conditions that could be aggravated by the weather, you will want to make sure that the nursing home is in an area with milder conditions. Being able to visit frequently is essential, but you also want your loved ones to be in a place where they feel comfortable and safe.
Cost
Of course, you will also need to consider the cost of nursing care. Nursing homes can be expensive, but there are also a variety of financing options available. You can talk to the nursing home about payment plans or look into government assistance programs. There are also long-term care insurance policies that can help cover the costs.
The important thing is to find a nursing home that you can afford so that you can rest assured knowing that your loved one is getting the best possible care.
Services and Amenities
When you are looking at nursing homes, you will want to make sure that they offer the services and amenities that your loved one needs. Each nursing home is different, so you will need to do your research to find one that meets all of your requirements.
A few features that form the best nursing homes are professional medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, social activities, dietary services, and more. If your loved ones suffer from a chronic disability that requires constant medical attention and specialized equipment, you will want to make sure that the nursing home has a full-time staff of qualified doctors and nurses with the best facilities available.
You will want to make a list of must-haves and then narrow down your options based on which nursing homes offer those services. Not only will this help maintain the physical health and well-being of your loved one but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that all of their social and emotional needs are being met.
Reputation
You are naturally putting a lot of trust and faith into a nursing care facility. Therefore, you will want to make sure that the nursing home you choose has a good reputation, has received accolades, and is accredited by the state.
In addition to being accredited by the state, Downey Community Health Center has received many awards for its excellent work. For instance, in 2022 we were given Best Nursing Home Award from Newsweek magazine!
Start by reading online reviews, but keep in mind that not all of them will be accurate. However, ideally, get an unbiased opinion by consulting with people who have first-hand experience and touring the facility yourself.
When you opt to tour the facility, pay attention to how the staff interacts with the residents and see if they seem comfortable and content. A good nursing home will have a staff that is passionate about their jobs and genuinely cares for the residents.
Keep an Eye Out for These Red Flags
There are a few red flags that you should be on the lookout for when touring a nursing home. If you notice any of these, it might be best to keep looking.
Some of the red flags include:
Unsafe conditions
A nursing home is still both a health facility and a place of residence. As such, it should be clean and well-maintained at all times. If you notice that the facility is in disrepair or that there are safety hazards, it’s best to move on.
Unlicensed staff
All nursing homes are required to have a certain number of licensed staff members on duty at all times. If you see that the facility doesn’t have enough staff or that the staff members are not licensed, try and find another nursing home.
Poor communication
The staff of a nursing home needs to be able to communicate effectively with both the residents and their families. If you detect that the staff is unprofessional or seems to be hiding something, take your business elsewhere.
How Do I Choose the Best Nursing Home for My Loved One?
It can be challenging to know where to start when researching nursing homes. There are so many factors to consider, and it can be mind-altering trying to figure out which one is the best fit for your loved one. Here are a few tips to help make the process a little bit easier:
- Start by figuring out what your loved one’s needs are. This will help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find a nursing home that can meet all of your demands.
- Once you know what their requirements are, start looking into different nursing homes in your area. Make sure to read reviews and talk to other families who have used the services of the nursing home you’re considering.
- Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule a tour of the nursing homes you’re considering. This will give you a chance to see the facilities and meet the staff.
- After you’ve toured the nursing homes, it’s time to make a decision. Choose the nursing home that you feel is the best fit for your loved one and that you feel comfortable with.
- The last step is to make sure that you stay involved in your loved one’s care. Even though they are in a nursing home, you are still their advocate and you need to make sure that they are receiving the best possible care.
Finding The Best Nursing Home For Your Loved Ones Can Be Complicated
Deciding to put a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. However, by doing your due diligence by researching and touring the facility yourself, you can be sure that you are making the best decision for your loved one.
We at Downey Community Health Center understand how difficult this decision can be, which is why we offer a variety of services and facilities to help create a caring and safe environment for your loved ones. We can help you assess your loved one’s needs while offering the best possible care to meet those needs.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support you and your loved ones.
