How to Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home

At some time in our lives, you may have a parent, spouse or relative who needs around-the-clock care. Choosing an assisted care or nursing home is a truly difficult but often necessary choice. You'll want the best medical care possible, in a setting that retains the comforts of home, for a price that doesn't drain all reserves.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Recommendations

1. Consider an assisted care facility (a cross between a full-service apartment building and a nursing home) if your spouse or relative needs help with day-to-day activities. When the person can no longer take care of himself or herself, look at nursing homes.
2. Gather recommendations from your family doctor, friends, coworkers and social workers. Contact the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (aahsa.org) or the Eldercare Locator (eldercare.gov) for a list of local accredited facilities.
3. Make sure the facility has a current state license. Get reports from state inspection surveys, and find out if it is on a consumer watch list for any reason.
4. Focus on these basics: dignified care, quality medical care, good food, meaningful interactions with staff, stimulation, and a pleasant and secure environment. Be specific about the special needs of the potential resident, and make sure the staff is qualified to meet them.
5. Make as many visits and see as many people as you can. You need to feel positive about this difficult and emotion-laced decision. Don't stop searching until you do. Tour facilities with an eagle eye. You'll want to make at least three visits--one unannounced, if possible--at different times during the week and day, and once during a meal.
6. Chat with residents to find out what the brochures may not cover. Are they getting the assistance they need? Do they appear to be well cared for?
7. Ask what is included in their social and recreational programs. Look for exercise, art and music classes, movie or theater nights, social hour, and excursions. Find out if transportation to doctors' appointments, shopping and religious services is provided.
8. Look at different rooms to see how the floor plan would work for your relative or spouse. Ask if adjustable beds and other mobility-enhancing equipment are available. Find out if your relative may furnish the living quarters with his or her own furniture.
9. Ask for information about admissions procedures and contracts. Don't be shy about asking questions. Ask about fees and find out exactly what they cover. Find out if Medicare or Medicaid will cover any of the costs, which typically run around $4,000 a month.

What to Look For:

• A good (and realistic) fit
• State licensing
• Excellent medical care
• Safe and well-maintained environment
• Caring staff

Tips & Warnings

• Start your search long before you need to, if possible.
• Contact your state or local ombudsmen (get his or her number from the facility) to get a frank assessment of the place. If any doubts are raised, go elsewhere.
• Spot anything worrying on a visit? Mention your concerns to the facility's administrator.
• Get a sense of the level of basic kindness and compassion that the staff demonstrates to and for its residents.