Steps Towards Choosing A Good Nursing Home

The Facilities

Seniors who are still independent and quite healthy will probably want to avoid rooms where multiple residents room in together. These homes don't usually enable couples to live together either. Homes where you'll have an independent living space still offer enormously varying facilities, however. They can range from free-standing little bungalows to single rooms with a bathroom attached.

My parents wanted to take as much of their own familiar furniture and belongings with them as they could. They ended up with the biggest apartment type their home had: a living room and two bedrooms. The second bedroom allowed us, kids, to stay overnight with them as the declined. This was very comforting. The also had a little kitchen, where they could cook independently. Their front door opened into the nursing home, so staff could access them easily. They were on the ground floor with a backdoor and a little garden too. It was a pretty ideal arrangement, really.

Besides the actual living space, you will also want to inquire about:

• Food. Can you cook independently if you want to? Is there a collective dining room or restaurant if you want some company? What's on the menu?
• Does the nursing home have a store? A hair dressing salon? 
• What activities are offered? My parents' home had activities like fitness, board games, concerts, poem recitals, and crafting. After my dad passed away, these activities meant a lot to my mom.
• What is available in the area surrounding the nursing home? Can you or loved-ones easily reach the home with public transport? How about parking spaces? And stores?
• Are there set visiting hours or will you be able to decide when you have guests over by yourself?
• Will you need to do your own laundry, or are facilities available?

The Staff

Some nursing homes offer specialist nursing care that can help you with your personal hygiene needs and administering any medications you take. In some cases, your space is kept clean, while other homes need you to organize cleaning independently. Some homes have doctors on staff, while others don't. These are all things you will want to know as much as possible about:

• How much day-to-day help is available, and how soon after you alert staff will the generally come?
• Do staff "make their rounds" to check on residents a few times a day?
• Are hospice facilities available on-site so you won't have to move again if your health deteriorates?
• How friendly are the staff? What procedures are in place to prevent abuse? (It happens, sadly.) Is there a residents' association where you can make your voice heard?

Questioning staff will allow you to get a good impression, but you will also want to talk to current residents, without the presence of staff. Ask if they can organize this. Once you think you like a nursing home, return for a second, unannounced visit to see if you still like it as much as you initially did. 

See Also: Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

Finances

The financial options you have depend on where you live to a great extent. You may have access to state-funded facilities, privately paid facilities, or facilities funded by long-term care insurance, if you have it. In any case, you will want to be fully informed in advance.