It’s nothing you look forward to, but there may come a point when you need to choose a nursing home for a loved one. For example, an elderly parent may require care after surgery or for the rest of their life.
Regardless of where you live, you’re probably familiar with a few nursing homes in your local area. While anyone can choose a facility, you don’t want to make a rash decision that could result in additional stress in the future.
There are many steps you can take to choose the right nursing home for a loved one, including the following:
- Know what’s most important: Some people search for a nursing home based solely on the quality of care, while others are more interested in things such as religious connection and meals.
- Ask around: You may be surprised to find that many people in your life have been in the same position as you. Take the time to ask others, such as friends and coworkers, if they have any nursing home recommendations.
- Visit in person: Even though you can learn a lot about nursing homes online, there is no replacement for visiting in person. This gives you a clear idea of what the facility has to offer, ranging from the support staff to the quality of the food and much more.
- Ask questions: If there is anything on your mind, don’t hesitate to ask questions. The best nursing homes are more than willing to address your concerns and put your mind at ease. Conversely, if a particular facility doesn’t want to answer your questions, they may be hiding something.
- Read the contract: Before moving your loved one into a nursing home you should understand the contract, including the type of room they’ll stay in, payment and other related details.
Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one doesn’t have to stress you out. It’s not easy to do this, but with the right approach, you can make a confident decision in a timely manner.
As you’re going through this process, don’t hesitate to communicate with your loved one about their elder law and estate plan. It’s important to make sure every last detail is in order, as this helps you protect their legal rights.