People go to nursing homes for different reasons, including if they’re sick, hurt, had surgery and need to get better, or have chronic care needs or disabilities that require on going nursing care.
“Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Services & Supports,” published by The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is an informative booklet available to the public — to aid seniors, and those caring for seniors, in selection of adult care facilities, whether it be independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing care for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients.
Some nursing home care is custodial care, like help with bathing or dressing. Other nursing home care includes skilled care, like changing sterile bandages.
Long-term care includes medical and non-medical care provided to people who are unable to perform basic activities of daily living, like dressing or bathing.
Long-term supports and services can be provided at home, or in the community, assisted living, or nursing homes.
Finding a nursing home There are many ways you can learn about nursing homes in your area:
- Ask people you trust, like your family, friends or neighbors.
- Ask your doctor if he or she provides care at any local nursing homes.
- Contact your local senior and community activity center.
- If you’re in the hospital, ask your social worker about discharge planning as early in your hospital stay as possible.
After you consider what’s important to you in a nursing home, visit the nursing homes. After your visit, write down any questions you still have about the nursing home or how the nursing home will meet your needs.
Things to consider
- How does the nursing home help you to participate in social, recreational, religious or cultural activities that are important to you?
- Who are the doctors that will care for you? Can you still see your personal doctors?
- Will the same nursing home staff take care of you day-to-day, or do they change?
- What types of meals does the nursing home serve?
Choose the nursing home that meets your needs
When you have all the information that’s important to you about the nursing homes you’re considering, talk with people who understand your personal and health care needs. This can include your family, friends, doctor, clergy, spiritual advisor, hospital discharge planner or social worker.
If you find more than one nursing home you like with a bed available, use the information you gathered to compare them. If you felt that the residents were treated well, the facility was clean and the staff was helpful, you might feel better about choosing that nursing home.
If you’re helping someone, keep the person you’re helping involved in the decision-making process as much as possible. People who are involved from the beginning are better prepared when they move into a nursing home.
If the person you’re helping isn’t alert or able to communicate well, keep his or her values and preferences in mind.
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