Making up your mind to put an elderly loved one or parent in one of the nearby nursing home facilities is something that you have to sit down with your family and decide together. Some families even find themselves confronting each other, especially if a loved one faces a health crisis or life-changing injuries.
So, if you are deciding as a family, you must approach things with moderation to make the right decision. To help you make the right decision and ensure your loved one will be at peace, consider the following tips when choosing a nursing home facility:
1. Check Reviews and Ratings
What is your first thing when booking a restaurant for a dinner date? You get recommendations from sites like TripAdvisor, right?
You should do the same when looking for the best nursing home facility. A better way to determine the reliability of a nursing facility is to check reviews and ratings. A facility with an SNF 5-star rating proves that the team has a good reputation for offering quality nursing care services.
2. Consider the Individual's Wants and Needs
Know the services your loved one needs and what he/she will need in the future. For instance, your elderly parent with dementia or memory issues might require support with daily activities, nursing care, special unit, hospice care, or physical therapy.
If you are not sure, ask a professional healthcare provider for advice on the services your loved one will need. Also, consider other features your loved one might need, including:
- Being close to friends and family
- Religious connection
- Recreational and social activities
- Meals
3. Compare the Amenities and Cost
It is advisable to first know the costs of nursing care services so you can determine whether they align with your budget. Apart from care, ensure you know what is included in the cost and what isn't. Sometimes, families get a bill for a service they didn't know would cost extra.
While amenities like group outings are extras, they cost more. So, when comparing several services, ask how they structure their pricing and if the costs change annually.
4. Inquire from the People You Have Trust In
As a family, you need to ask advice from every household member before making any decision. But you should also ask other people you trust, including friends, to advise you further. Some might have experiences with certain facilities, and they can recommend a few that suit your family's needs.
5. Look at the Surrounding
The best nursing home facility must have a friendly environment where your loved one can feel free, comfortable, and safe. This should start from the design of shared spaces, buildings, and rehabilitation units and go all the way to rooms made for short-term stays. Also, all the staff and managers in the facility must be welcoming.
Nursing home facilities are suitable for families that care about their loved ones. They ensure that a loved one isn't neglected. However, not every nursing home facility isn't created the same. This is why you need to consider the needs of your loved ones and consider factors like the facility's surroundings, cost, and the kind of services offered to make the right decision.
