Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is a big decision. You want them to have excellent care, as well as safety and comfort. Nursing homes do offer 24/7 medical supervision and daily assistance, but they vary in quality. Here are some tips for conducting a search:
Do some research. Online, Medicare’s Care Compare tool lets you assess facilities based on ratings, health inspections, and staffing levels. (Just be aware some information may not be current.) Also, contact the local Area Agency on Aging or long-term care ombudsman in your relative’s location. They can provide local recommendations and reports on complaints. If your relative has dementia, look for a secure memory-care unit and specialized programs.
Visit and observe. Nothing replaces an in-person visit. Are residents well groomed and engaged? Staff friendly? Is the facility clean and orderly? Visit at mealtime to check food quality and how residents are helped. Watch how fast staff respond to call lights—delays may mean understaffing. Ideally, visit several times, including a weekend when staff levels often drop.
Check staffing and turnover. Having low staff-to-resident ratios and familiar caregivers matters. Experts recommend one nurse aide for every seven residents on the day shift. Talk with the aides about how long they’ve been there. High turnover can lead to inconsistent care. Be wary if the facility relies heavily on temporary staff who may not know residents’ needs well.
Ask questions. Talk to administrators, staff, and residents’ families. Ask about staff experience, emergency procedures, infection control, and fall prevention. Learn about activities, social engagement, and family councils. Medicare offers an online checklist of questions to ask. Above all, trust your instincts: if something feels off, keep looking.
Review the contract carefully. Before signing, review costs, policies on rate increases, and what services are included. Ask what happens if private funds run out—will Medicaid be accepted or will your relative have to move? An elder law attorney can also provide guidance.
Is it time for a nursing home?
As the Roanoke and Lynchburg experts in family caregiving, we at Gentle Shepherd Hospice are familiar with local facilities and well versed in helping families find the best option for their relative. We can make recommendations based on needs and accompany you on tours. Give us a call at 1-800-789-0586 (toll-free) to learn more.
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