How to Choose the Right Nursing Home for Your Loved One

by Amy Bartling, LSW

As Published in the Elder Law Quarterly Fall 2002 issue by Wright Abshire

Making the decision to move into a nursing home is a difficult one. Choosing the right facility is equally difficult and can be overwhelming if you are not sure where to start or what to look for. Regardless of who recommends the move, a caregiver, physician, family member or discharge planner, it is important to plan ahead and choose the facility that best fits the needs of the proposed resident. The resident, as well as all interested family members, should be as involved in the decision making process to the extent possible. Finding the right nursing facility can become an arduous task because there are a host of facilities available, each offering different services at varying prices. The following suggestions may help ease the stress in the search for the best facility.

The first step in choosing a nursing facility is deciding what's important. Is it location, price, quality or number of staff or room availability? Whatever is determined to be important for the resident should be the greatest priority in the search. Once the important criteria are determined, research the options in your area. You can receive a free directory of Medicaid nursing homes in Houston and surrounding counties by contacting our office at (713) 660-9595.

After researching the options that match your criteria, schedule a personal tour of the facility. Visiting gives you a better picture of what life will be like in the facility. During your tour, be aware of what is happening at the facility, talk to residents and staff and ask questions. Gather as much information as you can about the facility. Consider how the facilities rate with your criteria and how they compare with each other. Visit the facilities that you are interested in a second time without making an appointment. Try to visit at a different time of day than your first visit, perhaps in the evening or on a weekend. Pay special attention to the staff and activity levels at these times. Here are a few things to consider when visiting a nursing facility:

Quality of Care: Is there adequate, trained staff? What is the ratio of care staff to residents? How often do physicians visit? Can residents see their personal doctors? Are calls for help answered promptly? What did the state inspection show about the facility? Are other residents happy with the care?

Quality of Life: Are residents treated with dignity and respect? Are residents grouped by level of care? Is there a separate area for residents with dementia? Do residents have choices in their personal space and schedules? Do residents have privacy for visits and personal care? Do other residents like living there?

Location: Is the facility convenient for family and friends to visit often?

Policies: Are personal items, pets, or smoking allowed? What is the policy for transferring to another room or moving out of the facility? What are the policies for visitors?

Meal Services: Are special diets available? Do meals look and taste appetizing? Are dining rooms clean and pleasant? Are snacks available?

Services and Fees: Are the services you need provided? Is Medicaid and Medicare accepted? Are you aware of what the fees include? What are the extra costs? Are personal hygiene items included in daily rates? Can residents bring in their own supplies? Are you given a copy of the admission contract and fee schedule?

Security: Does the facility provide a safe environment? Is the facility monitored by a camera or security system? Are there measures in place, such as a Wanderguard system, for residents who may wander around the facility?

Activities: Are appropriate activities offered for residents at different levels of care? Do residents have a choice in participating? Are outside activities offered? Is transportation to outside events provided?

In addition to finding the nursing facility that best fits your needs or those of your loved one, it is important to choose a facility in which he or she will feel comfortable and safe. It may be helpful to ask people you trust like your family members, physician or social worker for their input. Remember that there are many options available and you don't have to choose a facility that you have doubts about. For more information on choosing a nursing home contact the Texas Department of Human Services at (800) 252-8016.