What Should You Know Before Placing Your Parent in a Nursing Home?

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Safety is at the top of the list when it comes to finding a nursing home. Any nursing home you’re considering should have a copy of their official inspection report posted in their facility. Nursing homes are required by law to make their most recent report available to the public. Ask where it is, assistance interpreting and how the home has addressed any violations. You should also determine if a home is accredited by JCAHO, a nonprofit health accreditation organization.

Visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services” Nursing Home Compare Web site, (see link below), to evaluate how different nursing homes’ performed in their annual inspections. These inspection address a variety of important safety issues, include fire safety procedures, medication errors and restraint use.

Safety is especially important if your parent is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Many nursing homes have special services and units to keep these individuals safe. Find out what makes this unit different from the main long-term unit other than the lock or alarm on the door. The unit should have a simple layout (often circular) that allows for safe wandering and that is clearly marked. The unit’s staff should be specially trained to deal with Alzheimer's and dementia residents.