Growing up, you never thought about the choices you would one day have to make for your parents. However, as they get older, so do they, and one day you will likely be the one to care for them like you used to. For some children, this means choosing a nursing home that fits your family’s needs and budget.
There are a variety of nursing home options out there to choose from, so how do you choose the right one? Below are tips to help you learn exactly how to choose the best nursing home for your parents when the time comes.
Budget
Nursing home fees can be very expensive, and many of them have certain budget requirements that your parents must meet to become residents. When looking for a nursing home, be aware of your parents’ (or your) budget. Then, use this information to find options that fit that budget.
It’s also important to remember what assets and insurance can be used to accommodate this budget. For example, some nursing homes will accept collateral as payment (such as mortgages on houses and cars) while others will not.
Additionally, some allow insurance to cover part of the costs while others do not. Whatever your particular situation, it’s always important to have a full understanding of the budget moving forward.
Security
Unfortunately, there are many cases of elderly abuse taking place in nursing homes around the world. You want the place where you place your parents to be the best of the best, so you need to do your research and find out if any of these homes on your listing have any pending or past lawsuits against them for abuse or neglect.
Based on Schwartzapfel was the wrong death lawyer, “Negligence and wrongful death accusations and lawsuits can negatively impact nursing homes, so thorough research is needed when choosing the right facility for your loved one.” The more research you can do on a company before signing any contracts, the more peace of mind you’ll have to give your parents.
Location
Location is always an important factor when choosing a nursing home for your parents. In most cases, you’ll want to have them nearby in case something happens or you just want to drop by for a visit. Talk to your parents and siblings (if any) to determine the best location for your parents.
For example, would you like to choose a place in town with one of your siblings or yourself, or would you prefer your parents to be the same distance from all of you? Also, you should also think about location in terms of your doctor or parents’ activities, as this can throw their schedule and care into an uproar.
Medical treatment
Some nursing homes have medical providers while others do not. You will need to think about the type of care your parents will need while they are at home and make sure you choose a location that fits these special needs.
For example, if your parents were prone to accidents or illness, having a private doctor could be very beneficial. However, if your parents are in good health and close to a regular doctor or hospital, choosing a home without 24/7 in-house care is also fine.
Facility
Not all nursing homes are built the same, so let the facilities and activities play the role you choose for your parents. For example, if you have a choice of amenities that offer things like a pool, exercise opportunities, games, and fraternity, then that’s good for your parents.
However, if the house you see is not equipped with any amenities or activities, it may be difficult for your parents to feel at home. Obviously, the type of amenities you need will depend on the type of condition your parents have, so be sure to talk that over before you make a final decision.
Room
Take a tour of the nursing home you visit and see what the rooms are like. Are they nice and comfortable? Do they look updated with latest technology? The more you like the room, the better the choice. After all, your parents will be spending a fair amount of time in this room, so it’s important that you make a good choice.
Choosing a nursing home is never going to be an easy decision, but using these tips can help you make the right choice.
