What mistakes do families make when choosing a nursing home for their loved one?
First of all, assuming that all nursing homes deliver high quality care is inaccurate. Yes, there are very specific codes that facilities must follow, but annual state inspections are not enough to ensure high levels of care throughout the year. Families make the mistake of choosing a home based on one or two factors, like cost or physical attributes. We also see families who choose too quickly, without spending enough time visiting many local homes. Remember that you cannot assume a facility is always clean and orderly because it happens to be neat during your visit. You may need to visit a particular home 3 or more times on differing days during the week or weekend to do a more comprehensive assessment. Family members often fail to talk to other residents, assess key factors like turnover rate of staff, review state inspection reports, and ask if the facility is certified by Medicare and Medicaid.
