Finding the Right Nursing Home

Sometimes you make the decision to put a loved one in a nursing home, and sometimes the decision is made for you due to an illness or disability. If the decision has been made that it is time to find nursing home care for your family member or other loved one, do you know what to look for? How do you know if you are making the right choice?

As a Wheaton nursing home attorney with more than 15 years of experience, attorney Carol A. Nolan brings knowledge and compassion to her clients who are going through this process. She is here to answer your questions about choosing a nursing home, applying for Medicaid, and finding a nursing home with a Medicaid bed available.

What to Look For in a Nursing Home

Ms. Nolan recommends that you visit and research at least two or three nursing homes.

Some of the research can be done "behind the scenes" by going online. She encourages you to visit the Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services website at www2.illinois.gov/hfs and learn more about the Illinois Supportive Living Program by visiting www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/slf.

Another good resource is the Nursing Home Compare report found at www.medicare.gov.

Ms. Nolan can help you identify if any violations or problems have occurred in the nursing homes you are considering.

Research must also be done in person by visiting each facility. When you go look for:

• Cleanliness: Is the facility clean? Does it smell? Are the residents' rooms clean? Are the bed sheets clean and in good condition? Are the residents clean and dressed appropriately for the time of day and the weather conditions?
• Plumbing and electricity: Do the toilets flush? Does the water work? Is there hot water? Do the lights and electrical outlets work?
• Care: What type of care is provided? If your loved one requires therapy, is therapy provided on-site? What is the staff-to-resident ratio? What is the turnover rate of staff?
• Quality of life: Are residents treated with respect? Are there activities to keep the residents happy, occupied, and engaged? Are residents allowed to have choices regarding their personal schedules and living spaces? Are the residents allowed privacy for when people visit or for when they require baths, bathroom visits, and other personal care?
• Location: Is the nursing home near you and other family members?
• Security: Is the nursing home locked at night? Are there safety measures in place to ensure that your loved one will not wander off?
• Certifications and licenses: Is the facility Medicaid-certified? Are the nursing home and its administrator licensed?
• Fees: Is there a basic fee for rooms, meals, and personal care? Do some services require extra charges?

You may want to visit the nursing home on a different day and at a different time of day. This will help you assess the changes in staffing and get a feel for the different people your loved one may interact with on a daily basis.

Remember, it is always important to include the person who will need this care in the decision. Keep their needs and comfort level in mind.

Finding the right nursing home can involve a lot of legwork. However, knowing that you can feel comfortable with your choice and that your spouse, parent, or other loved one is comfortable in their new home makes this process well worth it.

Contact a Wheaton Nursing Home Lawyer

At the law firm of Carol A. Nolan, Attorney at Law, clients receive one-on-one attention as they try to find the right nursing homes for their family and friends. To schedule your confidential consultation, please call Carol Nolan at 630-668-6600 or contact her online.