Family members are often asked to find a nursing home for their loved ones. There are several types of nursing homes and different payment sources for some of the services provided. Some of the most important things to look for are staffing ratios, survey outcomes and the general practices of the staff. The general practices of the staff can be observed on the tour of the facility. Survey results and staffing ratios are posted in a public place within the facility. You may view survey results online at www.nursinghomecompre.com.
During the tour look for cleanliness of the residents and the facility. Odors should be situational and easily explained by the staff. Speak to the staff to see if they smile and are friendly--remember these are the people who will take care of your loved one.
Ask about disposable incontinent products. Most nursing homes now use disposable briefs, pull-ups and wipes.
Ask the person touring you about the centers pressure ulcer prevention program. They should have a program for prevention and for treatment. Ask about the centers falls management program. Nursing homes cannot prevent falls but they can manage falls and put interventions in place to minimize injury--such as low beds with frames, alarms for beds and wheelchairs, toileting programs, activities. etc. Restraints should be a last resort.
Staffing ratios are set by the state standards in some states. Ask on the tour about daily staffing numbers compared to the standard. Ask about open positions and the turnover rate of the facility. Many nursing homes have a high turnover rate--what is important is what the center is doing for recruitment of new staff and retention of current staff.
When reading the survey results, remember that there is a preliminary statement at the beginning of each federal tag. Read the body of the deficiency to see what actually substantiated the deficiency. The preliminary statement can be misleading at times. Example--a glucometer not cleaned in between each resident can be cited under the abuse federal tag.
You can email me with questions at tammy.whorton@gmail.com
Good luck!!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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