Many concerns come with nursing homes, and many family members find this a very stressful and controversial decision. Not all nursing homes have the same philosophy, so it’s important to choose one that is affordable and will also consider the health of your loved one. This conversation and decision often follows estate planning for your loved one, which may have already been stressful. According to Legal Zoom, nearly 33% of U.S. adults have established estate planning documents. Below are tips to make the right choice if you must decide soon. That will give you some peace of mind.
Check the Quality of the Food
Any good nursing home, whether it is one of the more expensive or more affordable options, should always have quality and nutritious food available for its patients. According to Porzio Planning, a semi-private (shared) room in a New Jersey nursing home averages around $11,000 monthly. At this rate, you should not have to question the quality of food fed to your loved ones regularly. All meals and snacks offered are available and should meet any dietary restrictions your loved ones may have.
Visit the Facility During Different Shifts
When you express interest in a facility, the administration will want you to schedule a visit so they can show you around and encourage you to choose their property as your preferred nursing home. These are usually during weekday shifts when the nursing home is fully staffed, and the issues that may arise are minimal. It is also a good idea to visit on one of the night shifts, to see the other staff members who work there and how they manage their shifts. At a nursing facility, your loved one will be getting care around the clock, so you should know what to expect.
Ask Questions About Social Media Presence
Like any other facility, nursing home employees are bound by HIPAA and patient privacy. According to NCSBN, nurses and other medical professionals can’t post information and images/videos about a patient or information gained in the nurse/patient relationship on their social media or the facility’s social media platform. This is a HIPAA violation and could cost them their jobs. Not only is it wrong to post this information, but if you have a loved one who needs protection and privacy from some family members, this could be a security risk.
Talk to Family Members Of Other Residents
While visiting the nursing facility, feel free to speak to other family members who may be on their way in or out for a visit. One of the best ways to get a feeling for the place is to see how long others have utilized the nursing home and how they feel about the care their family members are receiving. They may be honest about their experience and will let you know what they aren’t fond of and what they believe the facility is getting right. Try talking to a couple if possible, as some may have been visiting longer than others.
Inquire About Staffing Policies
One of the biggest concerns with even the best nursing homes is the number of staff on-site at any given time. There are state and federal requirements for staffing, with a nurse-to-patient ratio that should be available around the clock. This is something to ask about when you are visiting the facility. Question what that ratio looks like and what their plan is if it seems they will not meet that ratio.
Some nursing homes may be more affordable, but that doesn’t always make them the best option. The food quality, care quality, staff, and even their ability to honor HIPAA are something that you should consider carefully when deciding on a nursing home. You want to make sure that your loved one is getting what they pay for and that they are safe, giving you peace of mind when you turn their care over to this facility.
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