Navigating Nursing Home Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Informed Decision Making

Selecting a nursing home is a significant decision, requiring careful consideration of several key factors. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an unexpected circumstance, we’re here to provide you with the crucial information needed to make informed decisions about nursing home care.

Individuals opt for nursing homes for diverse reasons, such as recuperation from illness or surgery, or continuous care for chronic conditions or disabilities. However, the process of finding the right nursing home can feel daunting, leaving many unsure of where to begin. Our guide simplifies everything you need to know about nursing homes and finding the perfect fit.

What exactly constitutes a nursing home?

Nursing homes, also known as nursing facilities, senior homes, or skilled nursing facilities, offer so much more than just a place for the elderly to live. Nursing homes offer comprehensive health and personal care services, prioritizing medical care, unlike assisted living facilities, which emphasize independence and amenities.

Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care, round-the-clock supervision, daily meals, and enrichment activities. They also offer assistance with daily activities by trained professionals, and rehabilitative therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, either on-site or through visiting specialists.

Certain residents in nursing home facilities are classified as long-term care residents, residing permanently due to their ongoing need for continuous care and supervision. There are also short-term residents who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation after being discharged from the hospital.

What role do nursing homes play in long-term care?

Nursing homes fall under the category of long-term care facilities, which provide medical and non-medical assistance to those who can’t perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing or bathing.

When is it appropriate to contemplate moving into a nursing home?

People consider nursing homes for themselves or their loved ones for several reasons, including:

Recovering from a major illness or complex medical procedure requiring extensive post-operative care
Requiring 24/7 medical supervision and care
Dealing with severe mobility challenges or frequent falls
Coping with cognitive impairments that increase the risk of injury or wandering

What steps should be taken when selecting a nursing home?

Assess and Identify Your Needs.

Pinpoint particular health issues and care needs
Assess the level of care needed for yourself or a loved one
Compile a list of amenities you want the facility to provide
Decide whether you prefer shared or private accommodations
Decide on your financial plan for covering the costs of the nursing home. If you are not planning to pay privately for your stay, find out if your primary insurance covers short-term care or long-term care.
Factor in the proximity to family and friends.

Use Local Nursing Home Referral Platforms

Nursing home referral platforms operate much like online travel or real estate websites such as Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Zillow.com. They streamline the process by consolidating comprehensive information on local nursing home options into a single platform.
For those unsure of where to begin or what criteria to consider, local nursing home referral platforms such as View All Options (VAO) provide an excellent starting point. VAO helps individuals and families in Massachusetts navigate their search for nursing homes.
Utilize the tools available on platforms like View All Options to search, view, and compare local nursing home options side by side.
Customize your search according to your preferences and priorities, including location, clinical care requirements, insurance acceptance, amenities, and other factors.
Compile, save, and share a list of your preferred nursing homes with family members.

Gather Recommendations:

Seek guidance from friends, family, or healthcare professionals, while considering your individual circumstances.

Conduct Online Research:

Read reviews and check violation histories on databases like Pro Publica’s Nursing Home Inspect.
Review Federal and local government resources such as LongTermCare.gov and Medicare.gov
Use your preferred search engine, such as Google or Bing, to find facilities in your desired geographic area. Create a shortlist of four to five facilities with strong reviews.

Make Calls and Schedule Tours

Once you have your list of nursing home facilities, directly contact the facility, speak with the staff, and schedule a visit to get a personal feel for the community.
Moreover, certain local nursing home referral platforms like View All Options (VAO) allow you to contact facilities directly through the platform to arrange visits or request additional information.

Visit and Tour:

Take a scheduled tour in person and/or make an unannounced visit for a clearer picture
Take notes on staff interactions, resident activities, and facility conditions
If you are unable to visit in person, ask if the facility has a virtual tour

What are the next steps?

Given the variability among nursing homes, it’s vital to thoroughly assess all information to ensure a well-informed decision. Recognize that nursing homes are designed to meet your needs, allowing you to select the optimal choice for yourself or a loved one. Once you’ve identified your priorities and preferred location, initiate your research independently by utilizing resources such as View All Options (VAO), a local nursing home referral platform.