Whether you are searching for a nursing home for yourself or trying to help a loved one find suitable care, it is crucial that you choose a quality facility. While a majority of nursing facilities do genuinely care about their residents and their well-being, there are quite a few that provide lackluster service. Not only can this make for an unpleasant living experience, it can also endanger the health of residents.
That is why choosing the right nursing home is so important. The AARP offers the following suggestions to help you during the selection process, so you can rest assured that your best interests or the best interests of your loved one are a priority.
Review online ratings in detail
Online reviews provide great insight into the quality of a home, which is why they are the best place to start your search. When doing research, it is important to drill down past the general ratings to gauge each individual component. Look for reviews of the staff, the meals provided, activities, and all other factors that would give an impression of the overall quality of the place.
Do not let price be the only guiding factor
Some people think the more expensive the nursing home facility is, the better the care provided. However, this is not the only indicator of a quality nursing home. There are many other factors to be considered, from the experience and training of the staff to the safety measures in place to preserve the safety of the residents. On the other hand, do not choose the least expensive facility out of budgeting concerns.
Pay attention to the residents during your visit
While research is crucial when making your decision, you should also pay a visit to a few possible homes in person. While there, pay close attention to any residents you meet during your visit. Do they seem upbeat or depressed? Are they dressed in clean clothing or is their appearance shabby? Do they have nice things to say about the staff or the facility itself? If current residents seem displeased by their experience, chances are the nursing home is not up to your standards.