Whether you’re looking for the right nursing home facility for a loved one or doing some more research into a nursing home a loved one is currently in, the process can become a struggle.
On-site inspections conducted by official state health professionals, in order to assess compliance with federal standards of care, are the best source of reliable information for comparing facilities. Additionally, it’s always helpful to look at reviews that others have left online about various facilities and their experience with them.
Reliable nursing home ratings can help you find the best nursing home for your loved one or simply provide you with peace of mind that your loved one is being properly cared for. Your choice of a nursing home could have a profound impact on your loved one’s quality of life and sense of dignity. But, which nursing home is best? Are some nursing homes better than others? Luckily, there are some go-to sources available to answer these questions for you.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services include their inspection results in free reports available online. The reports for facilities on your list might alert you to potential problems or special areas of interest. For the latest and most up-to-date information, go to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare.
Another source is U.S. News and World Report’s Ranking. U.S. News rated over 15,000 nursing homes to help you find the best facility for your loved one. Health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of medical care determined each home’s star ratings.
It’s also important to do your own due diligence when visiting a nursing home care facility that a loved one is currently in, or one that you may be considering. AARP offers a printable list called “Nursing Homes: What to Ask.” This list ensures that you get as much information as possible out of your visits to facilities. It covers background checks for staff members, transportation for residents to their doctor appointments, and more. It will help you get answers to key questions you might otherwise forget to ask.
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, please, do not hesitate to contact Potter Burnett Law for a free case evaluation.