Article discussing how to choose a nursing home
RN Karen Mowers has an article in The Daily Star newspaper which discusses how a family should choose a nursing home. However, many times a person goes into a nursing home from the hospital. In those situations, often the family does not have time and relies on the social services person at the hospital to decide. This is a mistake. The consumer should have the final say.
Ms. Mowers has some good tips to assist you in choosing the right nursing home for your loved one.
Begin by researching the nursing homes in your area by reviewing The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' website, www.medicare.gov, that provides a section titled "Nursing Home Compare." Comparisons can be made in relation to quality, staffing ratios, survey reports and fire safety deficiencies. (This information can be unreliable depending on the enforcement of your state's regulatory agency)
Contact other resources such as hospital discharge planners, social workers, physicians and your local Office for the Aging or ombudsman (volunteer resident advocate) who can be contacted through the local Office for the Aging as well.
Formal visits or tours can be scheduled through the Department of Social Services, or you could just stop by and take a look around. Visit with residents, families and staff as you look around, and observe the activities.
Other things to be considered when selecting a nursing home: Bed availability, staffing, activities, policies, services and fees, preventative care programs, nutritional services, and treatment options.
Karen Mowers, a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree, is director of nursing services in the Fox Nursing Home.
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