Finding a nursing home can be an exhaustive process. When finding a nursing home, the right information is essential, especially when time is of the essence because of your loved one's medical needs or a hospital putting you on a deadline. The following tips will help you get the information you need in finding a nursing home.
Do Not Let the Hospital Rush Your Loved One Out - Most residents admitted to nursing homes come from a hospital stay. A patient may have as little as a day's notice to find a nursing home. Do not let the hospital rush your loved one to a nursing home. If this happens to you, appeal the discharge with the physician and hospital. Ask for the time needed for finding a nursing home for your loved one. The hospital should provide you with recommendations and assistance in finding a nursing home.
Contact Eldercare Locator - Call Eldercare Locator. They are a public service agency of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Eldercare Locator's toll-free number is (800) 677-1116. They will give you a list to help you in finding a nursing home and will put you in contact with the appropriate nursing home agency in your area.
Visit the Consumer Reports Website - Consumer Reports offers a Nursing Home Guide on its website. This guide provides tips on finding a nursing home and identifies quality nursing homes and nursing homes you should avoid.
Check Out MyZiva.net - MyZiva.net offers free online reports and information on finding a nursing home for prospective residents. This website provides comparisons of nursing homes, providing charts, reports, surveys, and information on quality and staffing.
Check Out CarePathways.com - Care Pathways offers a searchable database of nursing homes for a small fee. They provide reports and detailed information about finding a nursing home in the United States.
Get Information from Medicare - Medicare's website offers reports and a checklist to take along with you when visiting a nursing home.
Contact Your Local Ombudsmen - Your local Agency on Aging can provide you with the contact information for your local ombudsman dealing with nursing homes. A long-term care ombudsman is a local government official who investigates complaints against nursing homes. Your local ombudsman will not be able to recommend a nursing home, but will answer any specific questions you ask.
Check State Agency Inspection Reports - Every nursing home is required to provide their most recent state inspection report to the public. Some states provide nursing home inspection reports online. These reports list violations and citations issued. Ask the nursing home administrator to explain the violations and the remedies taken to correct them.
Get Recommendations - The best recommendations can come from others who have loved ones in nursing homes.
Make a List of Nursing Homes in Your Area - After you have a list of nursing homes, narrow the list down to the ones closest to you or the person who will most often visit the resident. You want a convenient nursing home as studies have shown that residents visited often recover quicker and receive better care.
Once you have narrowed down your nursing home choices, go for an unannounced visit. Look around and ask questions. Take your time, you are choosing the home and staff that will care for your loved one.
