Many adults find themselves in the difficult situation of having to place an elderly parent into a nursing home. If their care requires more time and effort than you can give, and they can't live safely on their own, it is a viable option to consider. Even though making the choice will be an emotional experience, it can often turn out to be for the best. Consider these factors as you transition your parent into this new living situation.
1. Begin your nursing home search by reviewing Medicare's nursing home ratings site. This is a government site run by an agency that is responsible for evaluating the quality of care at assisted living facilities. Another factor to consider is what your state expects of its nursing homes in terms of licensing. New Jersey's requirements, for example, may be found at the state's official website.
1. Begin your nursing home search by reviewing Medicare's nursing home ratings site. This is a government site run by an agency that is responsible for evaluating the quality of care at assisted living facilities. Another factor to consider is what your state expects of its nursing homes in terms of licensing. New Jersey's requirements, for example, may be found at the state's official website.
2. Take a look at the lifestyle of the residents at each facility. Does it seem to be a welcoming, inviting community? Is there a social director on site? Are outside activities offered, perhaps such field trips as bus rides to local events? The environment should be conducive to your loved one having the opportunity to meet neighbors and make new friends.
3. Determine what sort of services your loved one will need. Do they need help with taking medications, bathing, and feeding themselves? If they are more independent, are most of the other residents mobile and active as well? Ask if the facility has a social worker. You should also take note of whether the facility has a system for checking on residents in case of emergency.
4. Being close to where other family members live is advantageous. While most nursing homes are staffed with professionals who care for the residents, it is still a good idea to have a family presence at the facility. In this way, you offer a gentle reminder to the staff that the resident's family members are also keeping an eye out to ensure that they are taken care of appropriately.
5. While you would ideally like to give your loved one every possible amenity, it is likely that affordability will be a factor in making your decision. You need to discuss how long your parent will need to stay at the facility, whether short-term for physical therapy, or longer-term. Many people assume higher-priced facilities are better in terms of quality and recreational options, but it is possible to find an affordable nursing home, if you do some research.
Although this may be a challenging time for you and your elderly parent, keep in mind that the main goal is that they find a pla
3. Determine what sort of services your loved one will need. Do they need help with taking medications, bathing, and feeding themselves? If they are more independent, are most of the other residents mobile and active as well? Ask if the facility has a social worker. You should also take note of whether the facility has a system for checking on residents in case of emergency.
4. Being close to where other family members live is advantageous. While most nursing homes are staffed with professionals who care for the residents, it is still a good idea to have a family presence at the facility. In this way, you offer a gentle reminder to the staff that the resident's family members are also keeping an eye out to ensure that they are taken care of appropriately.
5. While you would ideally like to give your loved one every possible amenity, it is likely that affordability will be a factor in making your decision. You need to discuss how long your parent will need to stay at the facility, whether short-term for physical therapy, or longer-term. Many people assume higher-priced facilities are better in terms of quality and recreational options, but it is possible to find an affordable nursing home, if you do some research.
Although this may be a challenging time for you and your elderly parent, keep in mind that the main goal is that they find a pla
4. Being close to where other family members live is advantageous. While most nursing homes are staffed with professionals who care for the residents, it is still a good idea to have a family presence at the facility. In this way, you offer a gentle reminder to the staff that the resident's family members are also keeping an eye out to ensure that they are taken care of appropriately.
5. While you would ideally like to give your loved one every possible amenity, it is likely that affordability will be a factor in making your decision. You need to discuss how long your parent will need to stay at the facility, whether short-term for physical therapy, or longer-term. Many people assume higher-priced facilities are better in terms of quality and recreational options, but it is possible to find an affordable nursing home, if you do some research.
Although this may be a challenging time for you and your elderly parent, keep in mind that the main goal is that they find a place in which they will be comfortable, safe, and happy. For such an important decision, preparation and research are essential to finding a place your loved one can call home.
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5. While you would ideally like to give your loved one every possible amenity, it is likely that affordability will be a factor in making your decision. You need to discuss how long your parent will need to stay at the facility, whether short-term for physical therapy, or longer-term. Many people assume higher-priced facilities are better in terms of quality and recreational options, but it is possible to find an affordable nursing home, if you do some research.
Although this may be a challenging time for you and your elderly parent, keep in mind that the main goal is that they find a place in which they will be comfortable, safe, and happy. For such an important decision, preparation and research are essential to finding a place your loved one can call home.
About the Author:
Ruth Williams has written dozens of articles on education-related topics which include online colleges, financial aid, and online degree programs.