Deciding that your loved one is no longer able to live on their own, whether it’s a grandparent, parent, or a spouse, can be difficult. Trusting your loved one’s care to a stranger isn’t easy, so you want to make sure you choose a nursing home that is safe and meets his or her needs. Here are some tips to help you during this process:
Consider What is Important to Your Loved One
Is your loved one looking for a religious connection or certain social activities? Do they need special memory care resources or physical therapy? Is it important that they remain close to family and friends? After you’ve considered these questions you should be able to narrow down the list of available homes and can then begin visiting the nursing homes to determine if they are a good fit.
Take the Tour
While most nursing homes will put their best foot forward when a tour comes through, it is still the most useful part of your research. Observe if the facilities seem to be in good working order. Are the rooms clean? Do the residents look happy and well-cared for? Watch for interactions between the staff and the residents. Come back for a second look at an unscheduled time so you can see different staff and a different atmosphere.
Ask Questions
Make sure you meet with the facility director and the nursing director and ask them any questions you have. Some questions you might ask include
- How long have you been working at the home?
- What does staff turnover look like?
- What are the staffing ratios?
- How long do nurses spend with the residents each day?
- What have your inspection reports said?
- What is the protocol for preventing bed sores?
- What type of social activities are available?
Do Your Research
Either before or after you’ve visited the homes and asked your questions, do your homework and find out more information. Ask around to friends, family, and coworkers to see if they have any firsthand experience regarding the home. Check Yelp to see if there have been any reviews. You can also search nursing homes on the New York State Department of Health website to determine if there have been any deficiencies cited during inspections.
For more information about choosing a nursing home, check out Medicare’s guide to nursing home care.
Contact an Experienced New York Attorney
If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home, you need to have an attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping New York families. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MED-LAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits available. Se habla espaňol.