SELECTING A GOOD CARE FACILITY
Frank E. Fain, PhD
One of the most difficult tasks a person ever faces is selecting and moving an aging loved one into a nursing home or elder care facility.
The words “nursing home” conjures up images of dirty, depressing, smelly “warehouses for the elderly”. In reality, thanks to state regulations and a competitive market, today most elder care facilities are attractive, clean, well staffed homes that provide good food, quality health care, along with multiple activities to meet residents social, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
To find a good elder care home one needs time to research and tour a number of facilities. This decision is too important to rush if you do not absolutely have to. If the loved one is hospitalized, it is worth it to fight for Medicare coverage for extra hospital days, paying for those days privately, or even taking your loved one to your home temporarily while you find the right place. It is better to take the time to find the right place the first time than to “try out” a facility only to have to move your loved one to another facility later.
Ideally it is best to start your research when your loved one is not in the hospital. First step is to compile a list of the various kinds of elder care facilities in your area. I suggest you do not just open the phone book and start calling. Rather, talk to people who have experience or insights into the available facilities.
The first person to talk with is your elderly loved one. No matter what this person’s physical and mental limitations keep them involved in the process. Seek their opinion of the facilities in their area. Ask them “If you ever have to enter a care facility which ones do you think you would like? What facilities would you NOT want to live in?”
A common mistake younger adults make is selecting a place that is convenient for them but is far from the elder’s friends and support community. Or they pick a facility that is attractive and pleasant to visit, but is not so great a place to live. A beautifully decorated facility that is attractive to a middle age adult may to an older adult seem too fancy to feel like home. The elder quite often is not as concerned about the facility’s appearance as they are about it having a warm and care staff. Remember the goal is to find the facility that is best for the ELDER’S health, happiness and well-being. Simply put if your elderly loved one is not happy with the place NO ONE will be happy.
Next ask your elder’s doctor for a good recommendation. Then ask your friends about their loved ones experiences in the facilities they have used. Call local churches for the names of reputable facilities associated with Christian organizations. Finally contact the Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This group is an advocate for long term care residents helping them fine good care facilities and resolving problems once an elder is a resident.
From these conversations you will be able to compile a list of several elder care facilities. In my next column I will share suggested steps to follow in narrowing down this list to the facility that meets your loved ones needs.
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