Small Town News

How do 1 choose a nursing home?

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One of the most difficult decisions you may have to make in life is selecting a nursing home for a loved one. It's like thinking about dying; you don't want to do it but sometimes it becomes inevitable. It doesn't seem to matter what the reason whether it is doctor recommended, a necessity due to family situations, a need for constant medical attention or an inability to care for your loved one it can never be easy.

The following comments are drawn from my own personal experience. The descriptions are not for the weak of heart. My friends recommended I write a book and I am; in the meantime I hope this insight helps anyone that must choose a nursing home, assisted living or group home.

So, where do you begin? Finances will be the overwhelming consideration. It shouldn't be that way but it is. What can you afford? There are luxurious facilities out there and there are low income homes. If you are financially strapped there is the process to qualify for assistance. It isn't pretty. Your loved one will have to relinquish all assets and is not allowed to give anything away the year prior to being a resident in a nursing home. All benefits the person receives will go toward paying the monthly fee of the nursing home and you will be left with a stipend to use for clothing and necessities. If it involves spouses you will have to hire two individual attorneys to represent the best interest of each party. Hardly the end of life. ? you would have chosen for your loved one.

Next is the facility itself. This may sound strange but your sense of smell will become one of your best determining factors. This search will become a part-time job if you do an adequate assessment. You will search for days and later on when the facility doesn't work out you will search for days again. Most facilities smell like yucky steamed food emanating from dishwashers or urine. I walked out as fast as I walked in to some nursing homes...sometimes it just takes an odor to turn your stomach and help make your decision. Next is the staff. Visit the facility during lunch or after lunch or after dinner. Pop in visits give you a good perspective on what your loved one will experience. If the facility does not allow pop in visits think twice. Listen to the tone of voice of each staff member as they work with the elderly. Visit the Alzheimer unit. Ask them if you can buy lunch. Your loved one will be eating out of that kitchen for a long time.

Next are the medical professionals. Talk to some nurses about the type of patient they enjoy, talk about their style of care, and how long they have worked in nursing homes. Find out what doctors are on call for the facility. Make sure the doctor has the expertise in the field that your loved one needs care. Ask about additional care and charges. I once paid S60 for someone to cut toenails. I'm not complaining, they did an excellent job however it was an expense I hadn't counted on. If your loved one has a mental condition make sure there are evaluators, latest medications, and caring individuals that specialize in that particular area. Not every nurse has the training to care for the mentally challenged such as dementia or Alzheimer patients.



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© 2011 The Superior Sun Superior, Nebraska. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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