When searching for a nursing home for yourself or for a loved one, you must visit the facility to determine if it fits your or your loved one’s needs. This gives you a chance to see the facility first hand, talk to the staff and the residents and see what the general feel of the home might be. Here are some things to know before your visit.
Call Ahead
Make sure not to drop in uninvited. Nursing homes may not have an unannounced visit policy that would allow you to tour the home. They may not have staff available for a tour. A policy like this might be something to consider when choosing a home if flexibility in a facility is something you desire.
Ask Questions
The point of the tour is fact finding. If you see something you do not understand, or if you desire information beyond what is given to you by the staff, you will have to ask. Do not assume the staff is going to be able to anticipate all of your questions.
Compile a Contact List
Make sure that before you leave, you get a list of contacts you can call if you have more questions.
Ask Residents about the Facility
If there are residents or families of residents available to speak with, do so. Any questions about day to day life or quality of the facility might best be answered by current residents.
For any legal questions you might have after your visit, contact professionals in elder law like us. We can provide you with advice to help you choose the right nursing home.
