Choosing Care: Selecting a Good Nursing Home
Selecting the best nursing home for an elderly loved one can feel like a daunting task. However, if you go about the process in an organized way, you will find that the choices become clear. Many resources are available to help you—community services, local or state long–term care ombudsmen, government agencies on aging, social advocates, written inspection reports, friends and neighbors.
We have gathered together a number of suggestions and tips about the nursing home selection process:
- Discussing Nursing Home Choices
- Contacting Local Nursing Homes
- Visiting a Nursing Home
- Signs of a Good Nursing Home
- Special Needs of the Elderly
- Licensing, Certification, and Contracts
The most important point is this—don’t be afraid to ask questions and to investigate. Remember that you are making an important decision that you and your relative will live with for a long time.