A Difficult Decision: Choosing a Nursing Home for Yourself or Your Loved One
If and when the time comes to choose a nursing home—either for yourself or for a loved one—how will you know how to choose the right one? A person’s living situation often has a lot to do with how happy they are, so it is important to choose carefully and wisely. When you do begin the process of choosing a nursing home, you don’t have to go into it blind. Here are a few things to consider and questions to ask when you start your search:
A Matter of Money – Nursing care is an expensive prospect, so one of your first considerations when looking for a nursing home will be how much it will cost and how you (or your loved one) will pay for it. Fortunately, it is likely that the entire cost will not have to come out of your personal finances. The Medicare.gov website offers an overview of different strategies to pay for quality nursing care. Your elder law attorney can help you navigate these—and other—options.
For-Profit vs. Non-Profit – Not all nursing homes are created equal, and according to this recent article the choice between a for-profit or non-profit home can be one you’ll want to consider carefully.
Evaluate Staff and Policies – Taking the time you need to evaluate the staff and the policies of the homes on your list will quite possibly be the most important part of your decision-making process. This article from the “Our Parents” website provides a comprehensive list of questions to ask yourself, the nursing home staff, the residents, and more before you make your decision.
Location, Location, Location – Finally, we all know that location is everything, and this is true of nursing homes as well. Issues of location ranging from how close the home is to family and friends, to what kind of view can be seen from the windows can all be of the utmost importance.
Choosing a nursing home may well be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make, so it’s best to go into it prepared. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the professionals who can help you make the best possible decision for yourself and your loved ones.
