Choosing a nursing home for a family member can be stressful because there’s so many critical details to consider. You want to be sure you choose an affordable place that can provide the level of care needed, but you also want to be sure it is a place where he or she will be comfortable. Sorting through the information can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, caregivers have online resources that can help them determine which nursing home would be the best fit for their family member. The following online resources provide advice on how to prepare for choosing a nursing home and allow families to compare nursing homes based on user reviews and government data:
1. HealthGrove
HealthGrove is a health news and information website that provides data and research tools, such as its nursing home compare feature. Users can find nursing homes in their area and compare them to others based on the “smart rating,” which is a number calculated based on ratings of health inspections, staffing, quality measures, overall medical care and more.
This referral website provides details about senior housing options, including independent living, nursing homes and care facilities for people with certain illnesses. Users can search for nursing homes in their area based a variety of amenities, including activities, care services, diet, religion, language and more. They can compare facilities and amenities, read user reviews, see scheduled events and even learn more about pricing options.
The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation website helps caregivers understand what to look for when searching for a nursing home and provides information on how to pay for nursing home expenses. The site also lists step-by-step guides on how to begin the search and a checklist of questions to guide you in making a decision about a nursing home.
This directory provides statistics about local nursing homes, including occupancy and insurance accepted, and state inspection information for individual facilities. Users can see deficiencies and explanations about each listed in yearly reports and whether or not it was corrected the next year. This website would be most beneficial used in conjunction with other resources.
Finding the right nursing home can be time consuming, but diligent research can ensure your loved one is safe and happy. Examine what costs are covered by Medicaid, ratio of attendants to residents and whether they are equipped to provide the care your loved one needs.
About the Author
Sarah Blanchard is the marketing manager for Winburn Bequette, a plaintiffs law firm that represents victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Arkansas and Missouri. Follow her on Google+ and YouTube.
