Ten Things to Check When Shopping for a Nursing Home
Nursing Home Compare is a web-based service provided by the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to help consumers compare
different nursing homes. The information is based on findings by
surveyors during the annual inspection performed in every
nursing home that participates in the Medicare program. The
information can be obtained at the CMS Nursing Home Compare
website. When you access this information, however, keep in mind
that it sometimes is more than a year old. Also, facilities with
excellent track records sometimes experience a problem on survey
which may be written up in a manner that makes it appear
widespread. Likewise, a facility with only an average reputation
may be able to get through survey without any major findings and
appear better than it deserves. The information is helpful, but
needs to be validated with a site visit. When you visit a
facility, follow these ten steps to getting the information you
need. 1. Insist on touring the nursing unit where your loved one
would likely be placed--don't just tour the lobby and dining
room. 2. Speak to the nurse in charge on the unit and ask how
the unit is staffed on all three shifts. 3. Observe residents,
especially for how they are dressed and groomed, and whether or
not there are any odors. 4. Try to meet a family member and ask
them how well the facility responds when there is a problem. 5.
Watch the residents as they are assisted with lunch or
dinner--does there appear to be enough help? 6. Check if the
facility allows 24 hour unannounced visiting by families--always
a good sign that they have nothing to hide. 7. Ask what
rehabilitation services are available for long term residents,
and not just for the short term rehabilitation patients. 8. Look
into what pastoral care services are available and whether the
faith tradition of your family member is represented. 9.
Interview the medical director and ask whether intravenous
fluids, antibiotics, etc. are available to avoid unnecessary
hospitalizations for brief illnesses. 10. Trust your
instincts--would you feel comfortable living in the facility
yourself? If not, you probably will not be satisfied with your
decision to place your loved one in the facility For more
information on nursing homes and how to choose the best one for
your loved one, visit www.nursinghomeadvice.info