In the US, around 2.3% of the elderly population live in nursing homes. Making the decision to move an elderly parent into a nursing home is difficult. You want to ensure your parent receives the best possible care in a comfortable environment. With 14,827 nursing homes as of 2024 across the country, 1,184 of them in Texas, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Use these tips to select a nursing home that meets both your and your parent’s needs.
Talk to Your Parent About Their Preferences
Have an open and honest discussion with your parent about their wishes for care in a nursing home. Get their input on location, types of amenities, room preferences, and other factors that will impact their comfort and happiness. While your parent may not be able to visit facilities, you can show them photos and descriptions to get a sense of what they prefer. Maintain their dignity by giving them as much control as possible in the decision-making process.
Develop a List of Priorities
Before touring nursing homes, think through your must-haves. Determine aspects like location, costs, room types, staff-to-resident ratios, and specialized care services that are non-negotiable. Also, look at nice-to-have amenities like private rooms, meal options, leisure activities, and transportation services. Rank your priorities so you can easily compare facilities.
Tour Multiple Nursing Homes
Touring nursing homes in person is the best way to get a feel for their environment and care practices. As you tour, talk to administrators about staff qualifications, physician access, policies for treating residents, medication administration, etc. Also, notice interactions between staff members and residents. Signs of caring, patient relationships are a positive indicator.
Nursing home abuse is a problem in some homes. In one survey, 452 family members reported abuse, with 24.3% of them saying they were aware of at least one physical abuse incident.
Speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer if you are concerned about a loved one’s residence.
Ask About Transparency and Communication
An open line of communication with administrators and caregivers is key for ensuring your parent receives attentive care. During tours, inquire about how the staff involves family members in care decisions and provides updates on the resident’s well-being. Also, find out how they communicate and address issues or complaints that arise. Nursing homes that welcome family involvement are often a better choice.
Compare Costs
Nursing home expenses vary greatly depending on location, room type, and services provided, with the average cost around $8,669 per month for a shared room. Medicaid and Medicare provide assistance for those who qualify. For others, long-term care insurance or paying privately out of pocket may be required. Make a detailed comparison of all pricing options and get a clear estimate of what ongoing costs will be. Also, look into financial assistance that may be available.
Trust Your Instincts
Once you’ve gathered information and compared options, trust your instincts. Consider both your practical evaluations and your overall gut feelings. If a nursing home seems too sterile, understaffed, or lacking in genuine caring, keep looking. Don’t ignore red flags just because a facility looks good on paper. Finding a nursing home that both you and your loved one have a good feeling about is key.
The process of choosing a nursing home for a parent requires diligent research and discernment. Stay patient, seek input, and make sure you and your family are comfortable before making a decision. With careful selection, you can find a nursing home that provides quality care in a compassionate environment.
