With age, our loved ones are naturally bound to experience physical and mental deterioration. With extreme deteriorations, some may require constant supervision and 24-hour medical care. In this case, a nursing home might be the best option. Due to the high number of available choices, here are some tips to help you choose the best place for your loved one:
- Amass referrals: friends, family, co-workers, community members, etc. Your personal physician is also a good source
- Look at the track record: ask the home for a citation log and state survey report. Records, including violations, surveys, and complaints, are also available at the state agency.
- Check out the Consumer’s Union Nursing Home Watch list
- Check the patient/staff ratio. The ideal ratio is six to eight residents for every health care worker.
- Check the safety precautions and guidelines
- Ask about the available medical services.
- Look at the the programs available for residents
- Be sure to keep distance in mind.
- Count the nurses. The smaller the patient to nurse ratio, the better.
WellPath Partners is your senior resource referral guide. Follow us on ALL social media platforms and join us weekly for more content and public health discussions.
