The idea of living in a nursing home, even temporarily, can be scary to seniors. It’s difficult to acknowledge when more care is necessary, for seniors and their caregivers. When that time comes, it’s important to know how to choose the right skilled nursing facility.
When considering a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, start with getting recommendations from your friends and family. Personal recommendations are a great way to narrow your list of skilled nursing homes or assisted living facilities. In addition to your family and friends, ask your doctor, or social worker at a hospital if you are hospitalized, if they have any recommendations.
Another factor, and one of the most important, is what are the needs and wants of the person who will be living in the skilled nursing facility. At a time in which they may feel a loss of control, it’s vital to their happiness to take their wishes into consideration.
The next step is to visit the facilities in which you are interested. It’s recommended that you visit each facility more than once, and at different times of the day. Visit during the day, and in the evening. Ask to observe activities and to join the staff and residents in a meal.
While you are visiting, watch for the cleanliness of the individual rooms as well as common spaces. Pay attention to how people interact with one another as well, both residents and staff. Do interactions seem respectful and kind? If not, you should keep looking.
When you are visiting a facility, there are questions you should always ask and questions that you may not have considered before.
First, ask how the process will work from entering the skilled nursing environment to either moving to another level of care or remaining there. Some residents may have a short stay in skilled nursing as they recover from an illness or surgery, and for others, round-the-clock care is always necessary. Find out how the process works, so you and your loved one are prepared. For instance, if your loved one will need to go from skilled or healthcare living to memory care, what are the steps involved?
Second, find out how much the cost will be and what resources are available to help cover the costs including Medicare. If your loved one has a long-term care insurance plan, this will also help cover costs.
Next, ask questions about the facility itself, including security precautions. Communities such as The Cedars will also offer special activities and services to residents. Ask what types of events and amenities can be expected.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions about the facility as you visit and talk to their staff. They are there to answer your questions completely!
The Cedars offers healthcare living residences for seniors. We have four group homes that each accommodate 12-14 residents. Each home has a large patio area with lake views. Additionally, The Cedars offers social activities, and a full array of amenities including a Wellness Center, and on-campus events and presentations. You can schedule a tour with us by calling 620-241-0919. We’d love to show you and your loved one The Cedars difference!
