There is more to touring a nursing home than checking out the surroundings, chatting with staff and hoping to get a better feel for what it has to offer. If you really want to make the right decision, you need to focus on the many details that give you a clear understanding of what’s offered.
This will lead you to ask and answer a variety of questions, including but not limited to the following:
- Are there any bad smells associated with the facility?
- What do you see when you look at the residents who are already living there?
- Is the staff attentive to the needs of residents, or are they off doing something else?
- What type of care does the nursing home offer?
- Is the nursing care facility certified by Medicare and Medicaid?
- How long does the average resident live in the facility?
- What are the qualifications and experience of the staff?
- What makes the facility different from the others that you have toured?
Along with the above, it’s important to ask around to learn more about each nursing home on your short list. For example, you can ask loved ones if they have any suggestions. Or if you’re choosing a nursing home for a parent, maybe a coworker has recently been in the same position.
It doesn’t matter if you’re creating your own elder law plan or assisting a loved one, it’s important to focus your time and attention on choosing the right nursing home facility. When you make a confident, informed decision, you won’t have to wonder if you made the right choice.