Basic steps to choosing the best facility

Choosing a nursing home for a parent, a spouse, a sibling, or even a child can be very stressful. The task can seem overwhelming, but equipped with the necessary information, the pressures often felt by family members can be alleviated.  Below are 6 basic steps to choosing an appropriate facility:

1) PLAN AHEAD
The best way to ease the emotional distress of selecting a long term care facility is to plan ahead. Beginning the process early not only reduces stress, but also give your loved one a little more time to prepare for the transition into his or her new home. 

2) INVOLVE YOUR LOVED ONE
Make the selection process a group effort and involve your love one as much as possible. In essence, you are selecting his or her new home, so if your loved one is capable of participating in the process, it is essential that his or her wishes be considered every step of the way.

3) DO BACKGROUND RESEARCH
To begin the process, you may want to review state inspection reports and promotional literature of the nursing homes you are interested in. Call each facility and request as much information as possible to help you in your decision process.

Each nursing home is required by law to post its last state survey record for public viewing. Ask the administrator to explain the survey results to you if you need further clarification.

4) SCHEDULE A PERSONAL VISIT
The most valuable thing you can do is personally visit nursing homes with your loved one. Each home has its own personality and philosophy about patient care. Touring the facilities and talking with residents and staff will give you a good sense about the atmosphere of the home.

5) COMPLETE A CHECKLIST FOR EACH FACILITY
Included on this page is a link to a checklist – or suggested guidelines to follow and questions to ask when evaluating the facilities you visit. Use these checklists to record both your impressions and your loved one's impressions.

Suggested Checklist for Choosing a Facility

6) STAY INVOLVED
Some basic tips on staying involved include:

• Be prepared to help ease your loved one through the transition into the facility;
• Continue to involve your loved one in family events, decisions, and activities;
• Visit your loved one frequently and regularly, and encourage others to visit; and
• Volunteer in your loved ones facility.

The more you are involved with your loved one, the more likely you are to notice if there are areas of his or her life that need to be addressed. Nursing homes will implement internal quality assurance programs that constantly monitor the delivery of high quality care. In addition, the State of Indiana makes regular annual inspections to endure that governmental standards of care are being met.

Family and friends can serve as an important safety net. If you felt that proper attention or care is not being given to a specific problem, ask questions. Speak with the director of nursing or the nursing home administrator. If you are not satisfied with their responses, you may file a complaint with the Indiana State Department of Health at 1-800-246-8909.  To learn more on filing a complaint, visit: http://www.in.gov/isdh/21533.htm