How do you pick the right nursing home for your family?
You want what’s best for the ones you love, but it can be difficult to find quality care. When you’re looking at options in a state that has trouble meeting government standards, getting them the help they need may start with educating yourself.
Kentucky has a poor track record when it comes to shortcomings in elderly care. Though it comes in 22nd for the number of total nursing homes in the country, it ranks second for the number of serious deficiencies. This means picking the right home will likely take plenty of leg work.
Due diligence
Finding the nursing home that suits your family starts with the right information. You’ll need to have a thorough understanding of how they rank, what they offer and how they operate. Putting these pieces of the puzzle together can provide a good idea of what care you and your family can expect.
Rating care
The same data that shows where Kentucky is lagging behind can also provide a breakdown by home. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mandates that each state has to investigate places that receive funding from the government. This information can help you avoid locations with a large number of deficiencies and fines.
Meetings needs
Getting the help your family needs also depends on what kind of care they require. Make a list of requirements and check them off for each facility:
- Available medical care
- Access to specialists
- Specialized care for conditions
- Specific diet options
- Religious affiliations
Personal reviews
Once you have your list narrowed, it’s usually time to start learning what lies beyond the numbers. Visit the facility, meet with the director and talk with the staff. Ask any questions you may have about procedure, employee turnover or anything that seems out of place.
Make trips to the facility at different times to speak with staff working various shifts. Seek out the heads of the nursing, food and social services department. Leaving no stone unturned could help you spot potential red flags that may be hiding under the surface.
Doing your homework could save your family pain down the road, but it’s not a guarantee. Even the most diligent work can’t account for every possibility. Make sure you know the standards the facility you choose has to live up to, and you could recognize dangerous flaws before the costs become too great.