There are times when nursing homes are the right choice, sometimes they are the ONLY choice.

Sometimes they are medically necessary after discharge from the hospital.  It is not uncommon for example that a person will   break a hip, be admitted to the hospital then be discharged to a nursing home to recover and rehabilitate from this.  When things have healed, they may then be discharged to home.  A nursing home admission is not always "permanent".

There are no easy answers here!

Medical needs, finances or the well being of the primary caregiver can all be factors in having to make this decision.

For help with this, consult your doctor, minister or social worker. Also check with the local Agency for the Aged.

Make sure you check out the nursing homes ahead of time.

Is the place clean?

Does it smell?

Call the BBB.

Ask for references!

Does the staff seem caring?

Do they seem overworked?

Is there enough staff on duty to provide quality care?

What are the patients doing?

Are they just sitting in the hallway?

Are there activities?

How are the meals?

Is feeding assistance available?

Are there an adequate number of staff to patiently assist patients with their eating needs?

Visit frequently and at various times of the day. 

Talk with other visitors.

Just "pop" in and see what is going on.

Ask Questions!

We can not stress enough to check, check and double check.