Over the years, nursing homes and the services they provide have evolved and become more complicated.  Today they are places where skilled staff not only offer 24/7 physical care, but also focus on the social, emotional, and mental well-being of their residents.  Also referred to as skilled nursing facilities, modern nursing homes provide short- and long-term care based on the needs of the individual.  

Who needs to think about nursing homes? Statistically speaking, most of us! According to the Administration for Community Living, almost 70% of those 65 and older will need some type of long-term care services and support in their later years…And almost a third of those will need care in a facility outside the home.  With odds like this, making an informed choice about care facilities, and making them sooner rather than later, is incredibly important. 

But where to begin?  There are a wide variety of facilities to choose from, but there are some basic guidelines to follow.  

What is most important for you or your family?

First, determine what is important to you.  Are your priorities quality on-site medical care?  Do you want the environment of the facility to be warm, welcoming, and “homey?”  Many people hold significant concerns about the quality (and frequency!) of food service and dining areas.  Another primary concern is how the home facilitates social activities; are they planned or encouraged? May residents freely visit one another or have gatherings? Or are there opportunities for privacy away from others?  The answers to these larger questions can help you begin to narrow down facilities based on how they are built, operated, and planned.

“Where” is often key

One of the most important factors in choosing an assisted care facility is location.  For most people, the key factor is proximity to family and friends, making sure that visits from spouses, siblings, and children are convenient.  For loved ones, too, the ability to have a place nearby where they can frequently check in will help maintain the family and friendship connections that are so important.  Another factor for location is making sure that a nursing home is close to excellent health care providers and facilities, such as a good hospital and emergency room.   

How good is the facility’s health care?

One of the biggest factors for choosing a nursing home is the level of care it provides based on health care issues, and its ability to provide this is usually tied directly to the number of licensed professionals on staff.  Ask about the number of registered nurses on duty at any given time, and how often doctors make rounds in the facility.  The best nursing homes offer a variety of services, from basic care, such as routine hygiene, dressing, and transportation, to more specialized offerings, like physical, occupational, or speech therapy.  

What conveniences are on hand?

The amenities offered can also be a factor.  Are there single rooms available, or are all rooms double?  Are residents allowed to bring personal belongings or furniture? Are there private baths and restrooms? What are the kitchen and dining facilities like?  And are there recreational areas for residents? From a more practical standpoint, are all areas handicap accessible and are fire inspections frequent and up to date? These aspects may seem mundane, but they can make all the difference in the quality of day-to-day life in a nursing home. 

Get an up-close look

Giving some thought to all these factors means you can start your search, which will most likely begin online.  There are many different sites that can help you narrow your search, and most nursing homes have other materials available upon request.  Since location is probably the most important factor to address quickly, begin close to home (or where your loved ones live) and work your way outwards. Once you have found a place (or two) that seems right to you, the most important step in the selection process is to schedule a visit to the facility.  Be sure and include friends or family who may be helping you make your future healthcare decisions. 

Your visit checklist

In addition to some of the questions listed above, some other things to ask are: 

• What are the staffing ratios?
• What standard and higher-level services are available?
• What community activities are available, and is transportation provided?
• Who do I go to if there is a problem with the resident’s care?
• Is special care provided for residents with dementia? 
• What are the meal and nutritional plans? 
• What are visitation policies or restrictions? 
• What are the procedures for onboarding residents, and is there a waiting list? 

Other factors to note

As you tour the facility, remember to connect what you see with the things you have decided are important to you.  Some things to look for include:

• What are the rooms like? 
• What is the security like for the building? 
• Is the environment well-lit, clean, attractive, and at a comfortable temperature? 
• Are there strong unpleasant smells? 
• Talk with the staff and observe how they treat residents. Are the interactions friendly, polite, and respectful? Do they call residents by their names? 
• Do Residents look well cared for?

Be sure and take notes of what you see and hear from the staff.  Most nursing homes are happy to spend time with you and answer any questions you have, so don’t be afraid to ask anything that you feel is important. You should also clarify anything you don’t understand.  Visiting more than one facility can be invaluable in terms of comparing what is available and the different approaches to resident care.  And consider a second unscheduled visit to any facilities that really interest you; it’s always a good idea to see things going on from a day-to-day perspective. 

Can you afford it?

The final consideration is, of course, cost.  While Medicare and/or Medicaid may often pay for care in these facilities, they might not cover all costs involved or all nursing homes.  Knowing what is covered and what is not will be a determining factor in deciding which nursing home might be right for you. 

Where to look for help

Choosing an assisted living facility is a challenging but sometimes necessary decision.  The good news is that there are experienced and caring professionals available to help ensure you make the best choice.  And while you make the ultimate selection, Elder Law is here to assist you and your loved ones through your aging process – and that includes picking the perfect nursing home for yourself and/or your loved ones. We take pride and care in helping clients choose the facility that ensures the best for themselves and/or their family. And making decisions about issues such as a long-term care facility now means you won’t have to leave it up to someone else when and if you are no longer able to make those decisions yourself.  

Elder Law of Georgia can help you navigate the financial concerns for extended care and assisted living and prepare documents that assure your wishes are respected for the facility you choose.

Our team is ready to get to work helping you plan for the future and ensure that your wishes for your health and well-being are carried out.  To get started, call Elder Law of Georgia, P.C., today at 678-971-4971 or send us an email to schedule a consultation. We often make home visits to those who cannot visit our office in Gainesville.