Staffing

Nursing home staffing is the best proxy to quality we have. Luckily, there is data you can use to evaluate a nursing home’s staff.  The nursing home compare site includes information on resident to staff ratios, daily nursing and direct care staffing for each resident. Many homes also conduct staff satisfaction surveys. Ask to see the results. If there are high satisfaction rates, it’s likely the people working at the home there because they like the work, not just because it’s a job.

But staffing isn’t just about statistics. It’s about seeing the staff in action. Watch how the staff interact with residents. Do they yell if a resident is hard of hearing? Do they act annoyed or overworked? You answers are all important issues to consider.

The most important thing you can do is speak up. Talk to your parents about their needs and preferences. Ask friends and colleagues for tips or recommendations. And don’t forget to share your questions and concerns with a nursing home provider. It’s their job to ensure people like your loved one have a high quality of care and life.

In the end, the most important question you can ask is: “Is this a nursing home my parent and I can trust?” If the answer’s yes, you’ve found a place that provides the quality care your parent deserves.