Choosing
a nursing home is not in any way easy, but perhaps it shouldn’t
be. Your loved one is a unique individual with special needs, special
interests, and special requirements, all of which should be reflected
in the home you and your family members eventually select for your
loved one. It is not an easy decision. In fact, it is one of the most
difficult decisions you may ever make.
For
years they took care of you. Now you feel you should
take care of them. But you’re already juggling
responsibilities of your family and career. You
need help outside the home, and you've decided
it's time to look at nursing homes.
Nursing home care is
certainly not the answer for every family, but
it is an alternative worth exploring — especially
in today’s world where people are living
longer than ever before, and families are scattered,
living miles — even continents — apart.
The decision to enter into a nursing home environment
must take into consideration the needs of both
the individual and the family. Options must be
well-researched, and every family member should
have a voice. Most importantly, the decision should
not be made in haste or as a last resort. Following
are some guidelines to consider in the nursing
home selection process.
Before choosing a nursing
home, try to visit at least three potential homes.
During each visit, tour the facility with a staff
member and feel free to ask questions. It is a
good idea to take notes during this exchange, as
once home, your written comments about each facility
will prove valuable.
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A nursing
home is not a hospital, but a home. It is a place
where individuals eat, sleep, participate in social
activities, and receive medical care. Therefore
it should feel as much like a home as possible.
The feel of the facility — how staff interact
with residents, how residents interact with other
residents — is very important. Do residents
seem happy? Is the staff concerned, compassionate,
caring? One of the best ways to gain insight into
the emotional feel of a nursing home is to speak
with residents' families about their experiences
at the home.
Medical care is an essential
part of nursing home care, and you should not hesitate
to ask questions about it. For example, who comprises
the treatment team, and how involved are residents
in their own care? Are personal physicians allowed?
Are other medical services, such as dentistry and
podiatry, available? How experienced is staff in
regard to treating stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease,
joint replacement, fractures and related orthopedic
injuries — and most importantly, how is care
individualized?
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Location is another important
factor to consider when choosing a nursing home,
as distance may affect how often family members
and friends are able to visit. Also important is
the overall physical setting. Is the home warm,
comfortable and elegant? Are the rooms attractively
furnished? Can residents bring some of their own
cherished possessions? Are the grounds well maintained?
You’ll also want to note whether the facility
is clean. Does it meet your personal standards?
Are there any unpleasant odors?
In addition, how does
the facility handle the residents’ daily
needs. For example, are tubs and showers designed
so patients can be bathed with dignity? Are residents
well groomed and neatly dressed? What about meals?
While no cooking is like home cooking, meals should
be nutritious and appetizing, with menus varied
to accommodate personal needs.
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In nursing
homes where residents describe themselves as happy,
many tell of their "pleasant surprise" in making
the transition from living alone to joining a nursing
home community — because there "is just
so much to do." Nursing home activities should
include a variety of social and recreational opportunities
as well as frequent entertainment and cultural
events, all of which serve to improve the quality
of life for residents.
The harsh reality is
that, at least in part, your decision will be based
on what you can afford. Therefore it is important
to know, up front, what the total cost of care
will be, and what help is available through federal
and state programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.
It is appropriate to discuss your initial financial
concerns during the on-site visit.
Every
nursing home you consider must have a current license
from the state, and have in place an internal quality
assurance program. Homes must also be in compliance
with both federal and state fire codes, and those
certified for Medicare and Medicaid must be able
to produce a copy of the state certification survey,
conducted yearly.
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Choosing a nursing home
is one of the most important decisions you'll ever
make. We understand. Turn to the Nursing and Rehabilitation
Centers of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System,
New Jersey's experts in long-term care.
• Ashbrook Nursing and Rehabilitation Center,
Scotch Plains - (908) 889-5500
• Clara Maass Continuing Care Center at
Belleville -
(973) 450-2900
• Clara Maass Continuing Care Center at
Kearny -
(973) 844-4800
• Clara Maass Continuing Care at West Hudson,
Kearny
- (201) 955-7756
• Cornell Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, Union -
(908) 687-7800
• Greenbrook Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, Green Brook
- (732) 968-5500
• Kensington Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, Toms River - (732) 286-5005
• Llanfair House Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, Wayne - (973) 835-7443
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