ENID, OK - It can be very stressful deciding about where to care for a family member when a decision needs to be made quickly, for example, when a sudden injury requires a new care plan. Other times, a family has a while to look for the best place to care for an elderly relative.
What is a Nursing Home? A nursing home, also known as skilled nursing facility, is a place for people who don’t need to be in a hospital but can no longer be cared for at home. This can include people with critical injuries or serious illnesses, or those needing care after surgery. Most nursing homes have aids and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if a nursing home is the best choice for you or a member of your family. Once you know what choices you have, it’s a good idea to: Consider. What is important to you - nursing care, meals, physical therapy, religious connection hospice care, or Special Care Units for dementia patients? Do you want a place close to family and friends so they can easily visit? Ask. Talk with friends, relatives, social workers, and religious groups to find out what places they suggest. Check with healthcare providers about which nursing homes they feel provide good care. Use their suggestions to make a list of homes that offer the types of services you want. Call each place on your list. Ask questions about how many people live in their facility and what it cost. Find out about waiting lists. Visit. Make plans to meet with the director and the nursing director. The Medicare Nursing Homes Checklist at www.medicare.gov/nursing/checklist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example, you can ask the staff to explain any strong odors. Bad smells might indicate a problem; good ones might hide a problem. You might want to find out how long the director and head of nursing, food, and social services departments have worked at the nursing home. If key members of the staff change often, that could mean there is something wrong. Visit again. Make a second visit without calling ahead. Try another day of the week or time of day so you will meet other staff members and see different activities. Stop by at mealtime. Is the dining room attractive and clean? Does the food look tempting?
Understand. Once you select a nursing home, carefully read the contract. Question the director or assistant director about anything you do not understand. Ask a good friend or family member to read over the contract before you sign it.
Paying for Nursing Home Care. It is important to check with Medicare, Medicaid and any private insurance provide you must find out their current rules about covering the cost of long-term care. You can pay for nursing home care in several ways. For example: Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay, Long-Term Care Insurance. When thinking about nursing home costs, keep in mind that you can have extra out-of-pocket charges for some supplies or personal care, for instance, hair appointments, and services that are outside routine care. Be sure you have the facility staff to explain the expenses to you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding long-term care issues, feel free to contact your Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Megan Kirby or Steve Torres @ 580-237-2236.
