Tips in Selecting a Nursing Home

Federal and state regulators frequently inspect, review, and rate Kentucky nursing homes based on the level of care they provide. Medicare collects this data on nursing homes and creates a nursing home comparison chart. The chart, which you may find helpful in selecting a nursing home, is located at: Compare Kentucky Nursing Homes Site.

The Medicare report details the results of each Kentucky nursing home’s most recent inspection. This includes the number of violations found at each nursing home and the severity of each violation. It is important to note the type of violation as some violations as far more serious than others.

The State of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website also provides helpful information relevant to choosing a nursing home facility. The Kentucky Office of Inspector General’s nursing home survey can be found here: Nursing Home Survey Inspection Findings.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A KENTUCKY NURSING HOME:

• Financing: Before making any decisions, check with the Kentucky nursing home facility regarding which services Medicaid or Medicare will cover. Know what extras costs will be charged in addition to the daily room rate. Typically, residents are billed extra for any charges beyond the cost of basic nursing care. Also, be clear on the process of making charges to the account.
• Size: Weigh the pros and cons of selecting a large nursing home facility. While a large home may offer residents more activities, a smaller facility can typically provide more personalized attention and interaction. Furthermore, consider the quality of care and services that each Kentucky nursing home can offer.
• Location: The location of the facility is a crucial consideration. A conveniently located home is important because studies show that frequent and unscheduled visits can help prevent nursing home abuse and neglect. Look for a nursing home that is close to friends, family, doctors, and even hospitals.
• Room Selection: Check into a nursing home’s policy for room and roommate assignments. You want to make sure that other rooms will be open to your loved one if he or she has trouble getting along with a roommate. A roommate can have a significant impact on not only your loved one’s happiness, but also on his or her health. The stress associated with discord and antagonism can have serious negative consequences on one’s health.
• Bedhold: Medicaid will pay money to the Kentucky nursing home to keep a bed available following hospitalization for seven days. It is important, however, to know the facility’s policy for bedhold beyond seven days. Some nursing homes will agree to keep a bed available and will work with you to help pay the cost of reserving a bed during prolonged hospitalizations; others will not.
• Food: The quality of food served at the Kentucky nursing home is another factor to consider. A great way to ensure that your loved one is being served quality meals is to visit during the midday meal. While you’re visiting, ask residents their opinion of the food. Also make sure the nursing home can accommodate any special diet needs your loved one may require.
• Morale and Privacy: In addition to all of the factors above, you should also consider how happy and comfortable your loved one will be at the Kentucky nursing home. Observe the current residents and note their morale. Are they happy? Active? Do they have access to television and radio? Are they given privacy? Also observe the staff. Is the staff respectful? Do they enjoy their jobs? The answers to each of these questions will help determine whether your loved one will enjoy their stay at the facility.

If you have concerns about a Kentucky nursing home, or want to report the abuse or neglect of a Kentucky nursing home resident, contact the skilled nursing home abuse attorneys at The Higgins Firm at 800-705-2121 to discuss your options.