In addition, the Ombudsman may provide general advice on what to look for when visiting your area nursing homes. However, Ombudsmen are not allowed to recommend one nursing home over another. There are also some types of basic information that should help you narrow your list of nursing homes. In most cases, it is a mistake to select a nursing home that is difficult to visit on a regular basis. Frequent visits are the best way to make sure that you or your relative does well in the nursing home.
Visitors are important advocates for chronically ill residents.
Frequent visits often make the transition to the nursing home easier for new residents and their families. If you have religious or cultural preferences, contact the nursing homes on your list and see if they offer the type of environment that you would prefer. If you will be using Medicare or Medicaid, make certain that the nursing homes on your list accept Medicare or Medicaid payment. Make certain that the nursing homes on your list will have space available at the time you might need to be admitted. If you require care for special medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's or dementia, make sure that the nursing homes on your list are capable of meeting these special circumstances.