Important questions to ask before selecting a nursing home for your loved one.

Parents, grandparents and dependent children are all cherished members of our families. While no one looks forward to the time when our loved ones are unable to care for themselves, this is a reality for most families. In some cases, attempts may be made to provide in home care for family members who no longer have the mental or physical capabilities required to be independent. In other cases, the only option to ensure your loved one is not only happy but given access to life saving medical care is a permanent nursing home facility.

As a general rule, selecting a nursing home is an experience that is both mentally and emotionally exhausting. No one looks forward to moving a family member from the comfort of the family home to a nursing home facility, however there are certain questions you can ask to ensure you are making the best choice for your loved one.

Before committing to a nursing home facility, it is important to ensure the institution in question has the proper credentials to care for your loved one. The following list of questions can help you determine if the nursing home in question is right for your loved one.

• What experience, training and attitude does the staff have? Are the individuals in charge of providing care for your loved one certified or licensed in their profession? Do they have the right attitude and personality that is needed to provide support and care both physically and emotionally? The staff can make or break the experience your loved one has in a nursing home facility, therefore this is a very important factor when selecting a home.
  
  
• Are there plans in place for emergencies and evacuation? Always ask to see plans for emergencies as well as evacuation procedures. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, it is imperative to know how your loved ones will be cared for and transported safely to another location. When reviewing the plans, compare to the actual physical properties of the facility to confirm the plans can reasonably be put to use.
  
  
• What activities are scheduled to entertain patients and provide stimulation to ensure boredom or depression are not an issue? A good facility will have a schedule of activities and recreational activities to keep patients active and ensure socialization.
  
  
• What amenities are available to patients? Another important factor when selecting a nursing home are the amenities available to your loved one.
  
  

These are just a few of the questions family members should consider when selecting a nursing home to care for their loved one. Choosing the wrong home will at minimum result in an unhappy stay, while the worst case scenario could be personal injury or even death at the hands of improperly trained staff.




Lever & Stolzenberg, LLP is located in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the state, including New York City's five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island) as well as Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. 

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