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Choosing the right solution for your aging family member presents many challenges you may not have faced before.  According to the CDC, there are 15,600 skilled nursing homes in the U.S. to choose from.  Often times, these decisions are prompted by an unexpected change in a family member's health or ability to care for herself and usually when emotions are running high.  This article will give you tools to keep your peace of mind and make the best decisions for your whole family. The following considerations should help you choose the best facility for you and your loved one. Let's get started.

1.       Care Services—Does the center offer the care program you need?  Some centers may specialize in treating a particular type of condition such as cancer or memory loss, while others offer more universal care.  Understand that your loved one's needs may change over time.  It is important that you find a skilled nursing center that offers a network of health care services to meet the needs of your loved one.

2.       Compassionate Caregivers—Do you feel good about the people who will be taking care of your family member, day in and day out?  This answer is partly formed by the first impression you and your family member have of the facility, which can be hard to assess with a quick visit. You'll also want to know if the facility does background checks on staff and how many licensed nurses are on duty for each shift. Schedule conversations with key staff and doctors before your tour and chat with patients and other staff you might meet as you walk through the location to get a feel for the facility's atmosphere and practices.

3.       Caliber of Environment—Is it a nice, well-kept facility? Is the focus on quality of life? As a future home for your parent or other loved one, consider whether the residence has a homelike feel. Make sure to check the common areas, restrooms and dining facilities. Are the tablecloths in the dining room stain-free and pressed? Are the other residents clean, groomed and appropriately dressed for the time of day?  What is the ratio of staff to residents during each shift?

4.       Convenience of Location—An ideal location is near your loved one's family and friends.  If much of your family lives in the same town, have everyone plot their daily routes from home, work, school, shopping, etc. and find the points where paths cross.  You may discover an option that makes it easy for Mom or Dad to get lots of visits and attention throughout the week, rather than just on Sundays. According to AARP, care is usually better for nursing home residents with regular visitors.

5.       Cost—It is not uncommon to experience sticker shock when shopping for a skilled nursing center for your loved one. Take a deep breath.  The good news is that there are many possible payment options for a skilled nursing center. Your relative may even qualify for a veteran's discount. Sit down with the family members who will be paying for care and agree on a budget before you start touring facilities.  You'll want to know if the facility is certified by Medicare and Medicaid and how long they've had the certification. Find out how much the insurance deductible and copay will be and what your relative's extended care benefits are. Many facilities have a la carte services that you will pay for on top of basic monthly expenses, so determine what kind of assistance your loved one will need as you begin the search for the perfect facility.

Steve Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Community Services with Pruitt Health, recommends, "Do your research. Compare a list of referrals from your doctor and insurance provider, then map the locations that are most convenient to your usual travels before visiting facilities.  You may also wish to consult with a health professional to develop your strategy for choosing the best option for your family."

To find a trusted skilled nursing center that will meet your aging loved one's needs, visit our  "Contact Us" page.