Knowing that your loved one needs care from a skilled nursing facility can be a difficult realization. However, there are many available options for long-term care. With research you can choose a nursing home that’s ideal for him or her.
Here are some helpful tips to help you select the best facility:
- Ask people with experience in the medical field (doctors, social workers, clergy and friends) for their insights and advice
- Take tours of the nursing homes that you are interested in
- Read the nursing home survey by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania . Usually, nursing homes are inspected every 9-12 months. The survey is posted in the nursing home on the wall where you can see it.
- Sample a meal
- Attend a resident and/or family council meeting
- Choose a home that is close to your loved one’s friends and relatives, so they will have visitors
For more information about long-term and nursing home care, call the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at 1-(877)-PA-HEALTH, (1-(877)-724-3258) or visit the Pennsylvannia Department of Aging web site.