Have the needs of an aging loved one surpassed your ability to provide him or her with the care they need? It can be a tough decision to have your loved one placed in a nursing home. Whether it is your mom, dad, grandparent, or close relative, you want to know that you have made the best choice. You want to feel confident knowing that he or she is receiving the best possible care that can be afforded.

If you have reached the decision that your loved one needs a level of care and support a nursing home can provide, you may be wondering how to go about selecting the right long-term care facility. We are going to help you explore a few important considerations when choosing the right home.

First and foremost, it is important to ensure the nursing home is up to standard with Medicare and Medicaid requirements. More specifically, you should verify that the nursing home is Medicare-certified. This is extremely important because Medicare only covers care from nursing homes that are certified. Also, make sure that the administrator of the home has been licensed to practice in your state.

There are several other factors that you should consider in order to make the best choice for you, your family, and your loved one who will be entering the nursing home. Let us take a look at some of these right here on our blog.

  • Verify availability. Check to make sure that the nursing home you have selected has a bed available. If your loved one has other special needs, find out whether the facility offers any specialized services. This can be especially important for loved ones suffering from diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
  • Understand Included Costs and Additional Costs. Never assume that certain services or amenities are included in the nursing home costs. Request information from the facility regarding included services as well as what they charge and other fees. Review a copy of the fee schedule for all services. Long-term care is expensive. Understanding these fees can help alleviate some of the financial burden involved.
  • Proximity. Is the nursing home located close enough for friends and family to visit? Easing a loved one into nursing home life can be made easier if he or she does not feel isolated. Selecting a nursing home in close proximity to friends and loved ones can provide him or her with a continued sense of community and avoid a feeling of isolation in new surroundings.

These are just a few pointers that can help you begin the process of choosing the right nursing home for your loved ones to give you and them peace of mind. Should you have more questions or concerns regarding nursing home selection or affording nursing home care, our firm is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a meeting.