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Nursing HomesNursing homes are facilities that, short of a hospital, provide for the greatest level of care. Generally, nursing home facilities provide care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community due to physical, emotional, or mental problems. The homes are staffed with licensed nurses, shared rooms, hospital beds, regular scheduled doctor rounds, meals, and housekeeping. Typically, the care provided is on a team approach with a licensed Director of Nursing administrator overseeing the various departments. Depending on the Nursing Home, other professionals that may be included as in-house staff can be Physical and occupational therapists, activities directors, and social workers. While it is true that much like the headlines made by Walter Reed Army Hospital for its deplorable facilities, and inadequate care provided to our soldiers, Nursing homes have made similar headlines. But, keep in mind that those are the exceptions as the majority of Nursing homes, provide excellent care and more than just adequate facilities. Nevertheless, it is up to you to personally visit any facility that is under consideration, and it is also up to you to gather enough information, ask enough questions, and do enough first hand observation of the home, it’s staff, and particularly its residents, to be assured that you are making the best possible choice. With that in mind here is a handy list that you are welcome to copy, print of some of the things you need to know before making a final decision on a Nursing Home: 1. Ask to see the nursing home's last annual state inspection report. 2. Is the nursing home accepting new residents? 3. Is the nursing home easy to visit for family and friends? 4. Does the nursing home use hospitals where my doctor practices? 5. Does the nursing home have the services needed? 6. Does the nursing home have a variety of enjoyable activities? 7. Do residents appear clean and well groomed? 8. Do the residents have the same staff on a daily basis? 9. Is there enough staff available to assist residents? 10, Does the staff respond quickly to residents' calls for help? 11. Does the nursing home have an active resident and/or family council? 12. Is the nursing home clean and pleasant? 13. Is the nursing home certified by Medicare and Medicaid? 14. Are the nursing home and current administrator licensed? 15. How much is the cost of care in this nursing home? You may think of other questions to add to this list of what you need, want, to know about any of the Nursing Homes that you are considering. In either case, you might want to assign points as a means by which you do your assessment of the Nursing homes facilities, and staff. |