Discussing Nursing Home Choices
Even if you do much of the footwork and research in locating a nursing home for an elderly family member‚ it is extremely important to respect his or her wishes. Listen carefully to living preferences and special requirements. Your goal should be to produce a list of several nursing homes from which your relative can choose.
If the nursing home will be for you‚ consider your likes and dislikes as well as your physical needs. What events and activities do you enjoy? Do you have cultural or religious preferences? In what environment do you feel most comfortable? Do you prefer lots of social interaction‚ or quiet time alone? Bear the answers to these questions in mind as you go about your nursing home search.
Talk to relatives‚ trusted doctors‚ and community members who may have knowledge about local nursing homes. Also contact your state or local ombudsman‚ a volunteer who visits nursing homes on a regular basis. Ombudsmen can provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. Although ombudsmen are not allowed to make specific recommendations‚ they may be able to guide you through the nursing home selection process and are required to provide information about inspections and complaints. The Ombudsmen Program is funded by the Administration on Aging and exists in every state.
See Contacting Local Nursing Homes‚ Visiting a Facility‚ and Signs of a Good Nursing Home for other information about nursing home selection.
