How Do I Choose the "Right" Nursing Home?
- Consider. What is important to you—nursing care, meals, physical therapy, a religious connection, hospice care, or special care units for dementia patients? Do you want a place close to family and friends so they can easily visit?
- Ask. Talk with friends, relatives, social workers, and religious groups to find out what places they suggest. Check with healthcare providers about which nursing homes they feel provide good care.
- Call. Get in touch with each place on your list. Ask questions about how many people live there and what it costs. Find out about waiting lists.
- Visit. Make plans to meet with the director and the nursing director. The Medicare Nursing Home Checklist (PDF, 178K) has some good ideas to consider when visiting. For example, look for:
- Medicare and Medicaid certification
- Handicap access
- Residents who look well cared for
- Warm interaction between staff and residents
- Talk. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example, ask the staff to explain any strong odors. Bad smells might indicate a problem; good ones might hide a problem. You might want to find out how long the director and heads of nursing, food, and social services departments have worked at the nursing home. If key members of the staff change often, that could mean there’s something wrong.
- Visit again. Make a second visit without calling ahead. Try another day of the week or time of day so you will meet other staff members and see different activities. Stop by at mealtime. Is the dining room attractive and clean? Does the food look tempting?
- Understand. Once you select a nursing home, carefully read the contract. Question the director or assistant director about anything you don’t understand. Ask a good friend or family member to read over the contract before you sign it.
Helpful Links
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT QUALITY SCORE:
https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html?
KENTUCKY INSPECTION REPORTS:
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/dhc/Pages/default.aspx
PENALTIES AND FINES:
CONTACT US
East End Elder and Probate Law
Located in Middletown, Kentucky
11921 Brinley Avenue, Suite 201, Louisville, Kentucky 40243, United States
Your initial consultation is always free.
East End Elder and Probate Law is an assumed name of Walker Law, PLLC