How to Choose the Right Skilled Nursing Facility for Your Loved One

Your mother may be becoming more forgetful – forgetting to turn off the stove, failing to take medications or taking too many. Your father may be suffering from health problems that require extensive care – more care than you or your family can realistically provide.

It is scary to realize that a loved one may be requiring more care than you can offer. It can be hard to accept that they can no longer live independently and can no longer be cared for at home. If you are having these hard realizations about someone you love, a Florida skilled nursing facility may be the answer.

A skilled nursing facility, also known as a nursing home, is a place for those who can no longer be cared for at home but do not need the care of a hospital. Another option is an assisted-living facility, which is available for those who still need some assistance, just not all the time. Assisted-living communities are overseen by the state and are subject to widely varying standards, while nursing homes are federally regulated. Most nursing homes have aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day, and admittance is based upon medical need.

When choosing a Florida or Palm Beach nursing home, be sure to examine the following:

• Location – Is the skilled nursing facility close to family and friends?
• Referrals – Speak with friends, relatives, and doctors to see which nursing homes they recommend.
• Special Care – Does the facility offer the special care facilities that are necessary for your loved one? For example, is there a doctor’s office on site, or do they have to travel off site for medical care?
• Observations – When you visit the facility, take note of your observations.
• Do the residents seem happy and well cared for?
• Is there handicap access throughout the facility?
• Are there a wide variety of food choices available?
• Does the staff seem to be sufficient for the number of patients?
• Are there any strong or unpleasant odors?
• Discussions – Speak with the director and heads of each department. Do they seem satisfied with their jobs? How long have they been in their positions? Is there a high turnover rate within the facility?
• Inspection – Ask to see the home’s current inspection report and certification.
• Contract – Carefully read and be sure you understand all aspects of the contract.

If you need more help deciding if a Palm Beach skilled nursing facility is the right choice for your loved one, contact your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman office. They can help answer any questions you may have about long-term care. Your local office may be also be able to answer general questions about a specific nursing home in your area.

If your loved one has suffered from Florida nursing home abuse, contact Fetterman and Associates today at (866) 865-1244. Our Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorneys can help you and your loved one through this difficult time.