Knowing what to look for when choosing a good nursing home for your loved one is essential. Here in Florida, some nursing homes in Miami got into some serious trouble after Irma hit because there were not compliant with State regulations. That raised the question, “How do you choose the best nursing home for your loved one?” Facilities have different levels of care they provide, but for purposes of this post, I am going to concentrate on 24-hour care.
First, let’s give a definition of Nursing Home Services: A nursing home provides 24-hour nursing and personal care to residents. Nursing care is provided by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). Personal attention is given by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and can include help with bathing, dressing, eating, walking, and physical transfer (like moving from a bed to a chair). (Source here)
Next, create a list of the homes near you that provide this services. I have put together a basic list to help answer to help with this dilemma. Keep in mind, this is just a start, and sometimes your gut reaction to an institution is the best reference.
1. Check State Licenses. In the State of Florida, you can go to this website to check on the license on any homes on your list. Once you put in the name, you can see what type facility they are licensed to have. Depending on the needs of your loved one, not every institution may be authorized to meet these requirements. This site will also provide information on the staff and their licenses.
2. Visit the Facility. Call and make an appointment to meet with the administrator. Have a list of questions ready and make sure you are satisfied with the answers. Get a tour of the facility to see if it meets your expectations. Also, interview some staff to get a feel for the type of people that will be taking care of your loved one. Here is an excellent list of questions.
3. Unplanned Visits. Once you have chosen a facility show up unannounced to see if this facility provides everything it promised in your questioning. If you feel something is wrong, go to the administrator so that can address your issue.
As with any significant life decision, there are many ways to choose the best nursing home. This list is just a start, but I hope it can help educate you on this difficult decision.
