The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Skilled Nursing Facility
On October 15, 2023 by Walter PowellA nursing home is a place for people who need 24-hour supervision and care. They offer health and personal services, such as a room with a private bathroom, meals and therapy.
Begin your search by asking friends, family and those in the healthcare field—like doctors and physical therapists—for recommendations. Then, take a tour to observe the environment and the staff.
Do Your Research
When looking at skilled nursing facilities, it’s important to do your research. This can include checking the facility’s licensing status, inspection/survey reports, staffing details and credentials, complaints, citations and fines. This information can be found in the facilities, your state’s health department and your local long-term care ombudsperson office.
In addition to researching online, talking to family and friends about their experiences with a skilled nursing facility Missouri is also a good idea. They may have recommendations that will help you narrow down your options.
It is important to visit the facilities you are considering before deciding. It is a great opportunity to assess the quality of care, amenities and available services. You can also see the atmosphere of the place and observe how people interact with one another.
Schedule a Visit
Internet research can be helpful, but visiting the nursing homes you’re considering is different. The cleanliness of the facility, the interaction between staff and residents, and the condition of the building are all important factors to consider when evaluating it.
Talking to doctors, discharge planners, clergy, and local advocacy groups about their experiences in different care facilities can be a great way to learn. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and then visit the homes they suggest.
It is important to visit each facility you are considering, especially after conducting your initial research. Find out the number of beds available, what services they offer, and whether or not your loved one’s insurance will cover any part of the cost. It’s also an opportunity to get a feel for the facility and see how it matches your expectations of a safe and comfortable place for your family member to stay while recovering or receiving long-term care.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when choosing a skilled nursing facility. Some questions to consider include how many RNs and physical therapists are on staff, how long the staff members have been at the facility, whether a patient can use their medication or needs to be supervised, and whether other medical professionals like dentists, podiatrists, or optometrists are available to visit patients.
Also, don’t be afraid to trust your gut instinct. If something feels off during your visit, it may be a sign that the center isn’t the right fit for you or your loved one.
In addition to asking questions, it’s a good idea to ask for recommendations from family, friends and professionals in the healthcare field. Also, check out the facility’s licensing status, inspection/survey reports, and quality measures through Medicare’s online facility comparison tool and local Long-Term Care Ombudsman offices.
Take a Tour
After receiving a doctor’s recommendation for senior care or nursing home services, it’s important to visit the facility to ensure it’s a good fit. From cleanliness to staff attitude, your first impression of the place will be crucial, especially since it will be a major part of your or your loved one’s daily life.
Take a tour to check the rooms, halls, bathrooms, and dining areas for comfort and cleanliness. Please pay attention to the patients/residents and their overall demeanor and see how they interact. If they seem alert and content, it is a good sign that they are getting the attention they need.
Although federal and state agencies strictly regulate nursing homes, it is still possible for inadequate facilities to slip through the cracks. It’s best to seek out resources from local aging organizations and ask for information on the most recent survey results and any deficiencies that have been corrected.
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