Ask to see reports on resident and family satisfaction levels. A nursing home with a home-like environment and dedicated caregivers will earn superior ratings. Ask the caregivers or administrator if the nursing home provides ongoing education and training. If you are concerned about special care needs, such as dementia, ask if the caregivers have experience with the condition or if there is a separate unit for the residents. Find out how long caregivers and administrators have worked in the home.
Tenure is a sign of dedication and stability.
Ask the caregivers about their work and how they feel about caring for people with so many different needs. If you are faced with selecting a nursing home for you or a loved one, your local Office on Aging can give you a list of nursing homes in your area. Copyright 2000, The News-Press .