Tips
for Selecting a Nursing Home
A nursing
home, in Ohio, is a health care facility, licensed by the
Ohio Department of Health, that offers a protective, therapeutic
environment for those who need rehabilitative care or can
no longer live independently because of chronic physical or
mental conditions that require round the clock care.
Older Ohioans now have more choices concerning how they live
and the care and services they receive. Keep the following
points in mind when you are looking for a nursing home:
- Be
prepared. Don't wait until there is crisis. Visit several
different providers to compare services.
- Be
realistic about health care needs. This is often difficult
since one's inclination is to minimize problems as aging
occurs.
- Be
realistic about the environment. Beautiful surroundings
and amenities are only part of the picture. Examine how
the provider meets your personal interests, life style preferences,
religious and health care needs.
- Understand
the limitations of the provider and the services that can
be legally provided.
Payment
Options
Traditional
Medicare meets the cost of short term or rehabilitation in
any Medicare participating facility after a qualified hospital
stay. Some facilities also have a contract with different
private insurances to cover the cost of shor-term stay. (The
Social Worker or the Admission Co-Ordinator at the facility
should be able to help you understand what is available to
help you.)
Medicaid
meets the cost of ongoing care in most facilities for those
with income and resources below certain levels. Arrangement
from the private funds could also be made for the cost of
the care.
Factors
to consider when selecting a nursing home:
- Does
the facility participate in the Medicare or Medicaid program?
Participation in such programs can assist in meeting the
cost of care.
- If
you are enrolled in Medicare HMO, will any post-acute care
following hospitalization be covered in the facility?
- Are
amenities (such as private rooms, individual televisions,
private telephones) available and at what cost?
- Is
there an on-staff physician if needed? Does the resident
physician visit the facility?
- What
activity programs and special events are held at the facility?
What excursions are planned for those who are able to take
advantage of them? What religious activities are offered?
- What
is the facility's policy on "do not resuscitate"
orders, advance directives, durable power of attorney and
other end of life decisions?
- Do
the residents appear comfortable, well groomed and involved
in meaningful activities?
- Is
the overall facility well maintained, pleasing, cheerful?
Does the staff seem friendly, caring and accommodating to
residents and visitors?
- What
are the visiting provisions? Is there a private area for
visits? What are the normal visiting Hours?
