Choosing a nursing or care home is an important decision for any family. Here are some things to consider when deciding which nursing home in your area is right for you.
#1: Talk to Friends and Family
The people you trust the most won’t mislead you. Listen to the experiences of the friends and family who have specific experience with the nursing home in question. The firsthand account of someone who has lived in the facility will tell you more than simply visiting for a few hours. If you have time to ask around before you or your loved one is admitted to the facility, do so. This is a great place to start before doing more research.
#2: Location
Living in a nursing home can feel isolating, especially if your family is not close enough to visit. Try to find a place that is convenient for loved ones to visit. A forty-minute drive may seem somewhat close, but remember you will be making that trip after working all day. A nursing home that is close will make for convenient visits that won’t feel like a chore.
#3: Specific Needs of You or Your Loved One
Not every nursing home is the same. Some offer specialized care that may be exactly what you or your loved one needs. Some have different levels of medical training for the staff and have accommodations for specific conditions like dementia. Make sure you do research on the specific needs or your loved one.
#4: What is It Like When Visiting?
You should try your best to visit the home multiple times if you can. You may want to come unannounced to see what it’s like on a day-to-day basis. Try to vary the times that you visit so you can see different staff members and different activities. Check if the food looks appetizing. How do the residents seem? Do the staff members know the names of their clients? How does it smell? The nursing home is meant to be a long-term home for you or your loved one. If you have a gut feeling that the home is not right for you or your loved one, explore the alternatives.
Overall, choosing a nursing home is a tough decision for you and your family. Make sure that you do your due diligence to ensure your loved one is safe and happy in their new home. It is a difficult transition for most people, so do what you can to support your loved one by visiting often and listening.
If you or a loved one ever suffer from abuse in a nursing home, call Dempsey Kingsland Osteen today at (816) 484-3776 for a free consultation regarding your case.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
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