Selecting the right nursing home or care facility for a loved one is a daunting task, fraught with emotional and logistical challenges. However, with the right approach and guidance, you can navigate this process with confidence and ensure your family member receives the care and support they deserve. What this really means is that you need to look beyond the glossy lobbies and focus on the true culture and quality of care within these facilities.
Start with Government Ratings, But Don't Stop There
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains a wealth of data on nursing homes, including ownership, staffing levels, and inspection violations. This can be a useful starting point to rule out the lowest-rated facilities. As National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care director Sam Brooks cautions, "One or two stars, expect it to be bad." However, the bigger picture here is that these ratings can be unreliable due to self-reported data, so they should not be the sole basis for your decision.
Instead, dig deeper by reviewing inspection reports and online reviews to get a fuller picture of each facility. AARP recommends also considering the home's ownership, as nonprofit facilities often have better staffing ratios.
Look Past the Lobby Charm Offensive
When touring potential facilities, it's easy to be swayed by the elegant lobbies and manicured grounds. But as Mark Sanchez, CEO of United Hebrew nursing home, advises, "When I tour a building, I listen first. Is it loud? Are call bells ringing nonstop?" After that initial auditory assessment, shift your focus to other sensory cues - do you detect any unpleasant odors? Are residents clustered around the nurses' station, perhaps in need of attention? Pay close attention to how staff interact with residents, looking for signs of respect, engagement, and unhurried care.
The bottom line is that the "culture shows up in small moments," as Sanchez says, and those subtle details can speak volumes about the quality of life residents can expect.