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How can I find a good nursing home for a loved one?

On Behalf of | Dec 16, 2018 | Nursing Home Injuries |

While placing an aging relative in a New York nursing home can be a tough decision to make, in many cases it’s in the best interest of the individual. Still, you want to make sure that the facility you choose can meet all of your loved one’s needs, from the physical to the emotional. In this case, the National Institute on Aging offers the following advice.

Ask for references

Talk to friends and family for their input on quality nursing homes in your area. You can trust the opinions of loved ones, especially when it comes to what a facility does well or areas in need of improvement. After receiving a few recommendations, look to online review sites for further insights. Look for facilities with the highest ratings and the least amount of negative comments.

Schedule a visit

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to one or two homes, schedule a visit. This will give you an idea of how the staff treats residents, what to expect in terms of food served, how clean the facility is, and many other important issues. You can also bring along your loved one to get his or her input. That way your relative will also feel involved in the decision.

Ask questions

While on your visit, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask about the types of activities available to residents, how often family is allowed to visit, how dietary issues are addressed, and other important questions. If you notice problems, be sure to bring them up. You want to feel completely confident in your choice, and that may require receiving some clarification. If you’re still not convinced, consider paying another visit at a later date. 

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