How to Choose the Right Nursing Home?

As our loved ones age, the decision to transition them into a nursing home can be one of the most challenging choices we make. This article provides an overview of the key factors to consider when selecting a nursing home for your loved one.

Assess Care Needs

The first step is to assess and understand the specific needs of your loved one. Consider their medical condition, mobility, and cognitive abilities. Some individuals require specialized care for conditions like dementia, while others may need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. By accurately assessing their needs, you can narrow down the options to those facilities offering the appropriate levels and types of care.

Conduct Research

Once you have a clear understanding of care needs, research different nursing homes in your area. Use online resources, read reviews, and seek recommendations from healthcare professionals or friends who have experience with nursing facilities. Compile a list of potential facilities and explore their websites to gather information about services, staff qualifications, and amenities. No amount of research is too much.

Determine Ownership

A growing body of research has shown that private equity ownership is associated with worse outcomes for patients, including a 10% increase in excess mortality, and Covid-19 infection and death rates that were 30% and 40% above the average. Until recently, families were typically unaware that their loved one was in a private-equity backed facility, as nursing homes were not required to list all of their owners. In late 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services ruled that nursing homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid are required to disclose information regarding their owners, operators, and management, empowering families to make more informed decisions about their loved one’s care.

Check Accreditation and Licensing

Ensure that the facilities on your list are accredited and licensed by relevant regulatory bodies. In California, the licensing and regulation of nursing homes is the responsibility of the California Department of Public Health’s Licensing and Certification Program. The CDPH enforces standards and regulations to ensure compliance with state law. They are also responsible for issuing licenses, for which nursing homes must undergo rigorous assessments and background checks.

Visit Facilities

Schedule visits to the shortlisted nursing homes to get a firsthand look at their environment, cleanliness, professionalism, and overall atmosphere. During your visit, if possible, engage with residents and their families to gain insights into their experiences. Pay attention to the activities and amenities offered — they play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life and mental well-being for residents. All other things being equal, choose a facility that allows you to observe its services firsthand.

Ask About Staffing and Training

The quality of care provided in nursing homes is reliant on the competence and compassion of the staff. Ask for the qualifications of caregivers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, and for information about ongoing training programs. Inquire about staff-to-resident ratios. The CDPH requires nursing homes with 100 or more residents to provide 3.5 nursing hours per resident per day – ensure your chosen facility goes above and beyond minimum staffing requirements.

Check Inspection History

Check the facility’s inspection history – with the proviso that this information is likely to be incomplete and misleading. The CDPH is responsible for conducting inspections and complaint investigations of nursing homes in the state. Avoid facilities with many citations, deficiencies or complaints. Bear in mind that the CDPH only substantiates a small percentage of complaints, so it’s important to consider all complaints filed against a facility, not just those substantiated by the authorities.

Assess Resident Safety and Security

Safety is a top priority in any healthcare setting. Assess the safety and security measures in place, including emergency protocols, fire safety, and surveillance systems. Check for wheelchair accessibility, handrails, and other safety features that cater to the needs of residents with mobility challenges.

Explore Financial Considerations

Understanding the financial aspects of long-term elder care is crucial for effective planning. Inquire about the cost of services, payment options, and whether the facility accepts insurance or Medicaid/Medi-Cal. Even if you don’t qualify for Medi–Cal now, it’s prudent to select a Medi–Cal certified facility, as many residents will meet the qualification criteria at some point during their stay. Be transparent about your budget and make sure there are no hidden fees. Discuss the possibility of rate increases and the facility’s payment policies.

Find the Right Location

Select a nursing home that is close and convenient for visitors, especially those who will be visiting most often. Research has shown that residents with frequent visitors are happier and healthier and, in the case of short-term residents, often recover faster. When family members are close enough to visit frequently, they can monitor the condition of their loved one, respond more quickly to emergencies, and participate more thoroughly in care planning.

Choosing the right nursing home for your loved one is a complex decision that requires careful consideration. By assessing their specific care needs, researching potential facilities, visiting them in person, and thoroughly evaluating safety, staff qualifications, owner-operator status, history, and financial considerations, you can make an informed choice to ensure your loved one receives the care and support they deserve.

If you suspect elder abuse has taken place and need legal advice, contact an experienced elder abuse attorney in California to see what your options are.