We would like to inform your readers how important it is not to wait until the need is critical to look at nursing homes. Too often, families avoid this difficult subject until a last minute health crisis forces them to make a choice without the proper preparation.

Just as families spend months choosing the right colleges for their children, the same attention should be applied to choosing a nursing home. Families should visit several nursing homes in their areas to compare their environments, services and programs.

Because this choice can be emotional, proper planning, discussion and research will make the transition easier for families. The Illinois Council on Long Term Care recommends visiting a nursing home in the early afternoon so that families will be able to visit with staff and residents as well as observe the afternoon meal.

Touring a nursing home involves much more than simply evaluating how well it is decorated. Families need to assess the quality of care given to the residents. We invite you to consider the following questions as you are touring the facility:

·                     Do staff members interact well with the residents?

·                     Do the residents seem happy and involved with facility life?

·                     Does the facility provide a wide variety of activities? Ask if you can attend an activity.

·                     How experienced is the facility in handling your family member’s diagnoses?

Bring a notepad and pen to write down your impressions. Also, be sure to talk with others – such as clergy, friends, doctors and neighbors – about their experiences regarding the nursing homes you are visiting. This vital information will help families make the right decisions for their loved ones.

For more helpful information about long-term care, please visit our Web site at www.nursinghome.org. 

Kevin Kavanaugh
Director of Education
Illinois Council on Long Term Care
773/478-6613