Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one is a crucial decision that requires thoughtful consideration. For many families, knowing where to start and what questions to ask can be overwhelming. This blog provides practical tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a nursing home.
1. Location and Online Research Tools
Location is one of the first factors to consider. Choosing a facility that is close enough for regular visits is important. Proximity ensures that family members can visit frequently, which has been shown to positively impact resident outcomes, enhance social engagement, and reduce feelings of isolation. Regular visits also allow families to monitor care, establish relationships with staff, and reinforce that the resident is valued.
Several online resources can help you start your search:
FloridaHealthFinder.gov: Operated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, this site allows you to search for licensed facilities in Florida and provides details such as the total number of beds, accepted payment sources, and inspection reports.
Medicare Compare: Managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, this site lets you search for Medicare-certified providers, including nursing homes, across the United States. You can filter by location to find nearby facilities.
2. Inspection Reports
Nursing homes are subject to regular inspections by state and federal agencies. Reviewing inspection reports from FloridaHealthFinder.gov and Medicare Compare can reveal past issues, including health and safety violations. Look for any patterns of repeated problems, which may indicate ongoing concerns.
3. Payment
Ensure that your loved one's stay at the nursing home is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or another payor source, such as private pay or long-term care insurance. Facilities cannot require a third party to personally guarantee payment as a condition of admission, but having a reliable payor source is essential. Without it, finding a suitable facility may be challenging, and if the payor source stops, your loved one may be at risk of discharge.
4. Ability to Provide Care and Treatment
When discussing your loved one's needs with potential facilities, make sure they can provide the required care and treatment. For example, if your loved one has advanced mental illness, a facility with a “locked” unit might be necessary. Similarly, if your loved one has substantial or recurring wounds, ensure the facility has a dedicated wound care team.
5. Staff-to-Resident Ratio
The level of care your loved one receives is partly dependent on the attention from staff. Florida law sets minimum staffing standards based on the number of residents (see Fla. Stat. §400.23(3)). However, staffing at or just above minimum levels may not be sufficient if residents' needs are high. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio to ensure adequate care and attention.
6. Staff Turnover
Some staff turnover is inevitable, especially for lower-paying positions. However, it’s important to understand the stability of management personnel. While a few new employees may not be concerning, frequent turnover in key positions might indicate underlying issues.
7. Take a Tour
Visit the facility and observe the following:
Staff Interaction: Watch how staff interact with each other and with residents. Pay attention to response times to call lights and overall staff behavior.
Resident Appearance: Check if residents are well-groomed and dressed appropriately.
Facility Maintenance: Evaluate whether the facility is clean and well-maintained. If there is a strong chemical smell, inquire whether it is due to a recent cleaning or an ongoing issue.
Meals and Activities: Observe a meal and see if staff engage with residents or seem disengaged. Ask about and observe activities to assess how well the facility fosters social engagement.
Most importantly, trust your instincts during your visit. If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions or explore other options.
Even with thorough research and careful consideration, your loved one may still be at risk of nursing home abuse or neglect. If you believe your loved one has suffered due to the actions or inactions of a nursing facility, don’t delay; call FIDJ.