There are various residential nursing facilities available for seniors when their care requirements exceed what they can get from friends and family. Finding the right nursing home for your loved one requires a bit of detective work.
There is no denying the fact that nursing homes encounter significant difficulties. Staffing shortages, which were already present before the COVID-19 pandemic, have worsened for many of them. Even before the pandemic, many were dealing with the spread of infectious diseases. So, how do you choose?
Determine the type of care needed
There are three types of care facilities available:
- Nursing homes provide 24-hour care and skilled nursing for those who need extra care or physical therapy. They offer activities for patients to enjoy. And serve meals in a cafeteria setting, which encourages interaction with other patients.
- Memory care facilities are similar to nursing homes, but they do not provide skilled nursing. Instead, they provide care designed for patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Assisted living facilities offer more independence for residents who may need medical care from time to time. The setting is usually an apartment-style complex that has nurses and a doctor on call.
Once you determine the type of care your loved one needs, schedule some visits.
Quality of care and safety concerns
The best way to get a feel for a nursing facility is to visit. It’s also a good idea to check out reviews online. Places that have four or five-star ratings are the best choices. Beware of places with one-star ratings or reviews citing patient neglect or abuse.
After you choose a place and your loved one has settled in, take time to regularly visit them. If you discover that they are being abused or put into unsafe situations, seek legal assistance.