Are you assisting an elder in finding skilled nursing? If so, there are certain things you should be sure to look for or ask about on a tour. The presence or absence of these six key features can help you make good decisions that will provide care and support for your loved one.
6 Important Attributes of a High-Quality Elder Care Provider
In the course of doing research online, visiting a skilled nursing community in person and talking with staff members, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
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- Community maintenance and cleanliness. How clean a skilled nursing environment is can vary based on when you tour. For example, if you arrive immediately after a scheduled cleaning, it will likely look very clean. If you take a tour just prior to the next scheduled cleaning, things may not look quite so tidy. This slight variance is to be expected, much like in our own homes. But, every resident deserves to live in a community that is generally well-maintained and clean.
- Staff compassion. If you see examples of staff members interacting with residents in a warm, friendly and patient manner, that is a good sign. On the other hand, if the staff seem rude or insensitive, that should raise concerns. Everyone gets busy, but notice if the residents’ needs are the main priority or if staff seem to have other duties that pull them away. If they are not compassionate and attentive when visitors are on site, imagine how they could behave when nobody is around.
- Staff experience. When taking a tour, you should ask your guide about the experience level of the staff. It’s not necessary that everyone has decades working in a skilled nursing setting. But ideally, there should be some seasoned veterans in the mix who are experienced in dealing with any kind of issue that may arise. Find out what kinds of expertise is onsite from certified nursing assistants, to registered nurses and/or other staff members.
- Services for current and future needs. It is important to know how well a community can handle your loved one’s current needs. It is equally important to learn about services that the person might need in the future. Ask about what conditions and services they offer and find out what conditions or medical needs they are not able to accommodate. While it’s hard to know exactly what your needs might be, it’s good to have more options in case you need them instead of having to move your loved one to a different community with higher level care if they need it.
- State surveys and personal opinions. On your tour, you should ask about how the community has scored on state-mandated inspections. You should also ask if you can talk with any residents and families about their experience. If for some reason that is not possible, you may be able to find feedback online.
- Total costs. Each skilled nursing community has its own way of breaking down its fees. Be sure that you understand the total cost your loved one will incur if they become a resident. The last thing they want is to get a bill with unexpected extra charges.
Finding The Right Community for Your Loved One
Finding a skilled nursing facility that meets all of an elder’s needs requires doing your “homework.” However, it is very much worth the effort. Our community at Greenhouse Homes is geared toward seniors who want to live in a real-home setting where they feel engaged, supported and appreciated. We’re proud of the positive environment we’ve created and welcome questions from elders and their families.
