Check with local better business bureau. Check the facility itself in person. Look for residents who are actively engaged in activities, and "interview" these folks if they're willing to speak with you. There will be other family members around, ask them about the facility. Are they happy with the place? Look on the internet for healthcare surveys which are conducted periodically by an independent entitiy. These surveys show information about problems the facility has been asked to address. Don't judge a facility based on the beautiful decor whatever you do, judge it based on the safety of its clients, and their overall well being. If you know a nurse, ask her or him to come with you and "check it out" you don't want to take "the tour" that the facility will offer, you want to investigate on your own. As a businessman, you realize I'm sure that they will be on their best behavior when they know you're coming...I've worked in several nursing homes and wasn't terribly impressed I'll admit. There are good ones out there too, but they're in my opinion, hard to find. Another consideration, would it be possible to let them stay home with nurses/aids doing visits? Some states allow clients to remain in their homes and recieve visiting staff. It saves the state money, and most people stay healthier when they stay at home. Less risk of facility acquired infection for instance, and more personalized care. I highly recommend that you ask about that if it's feasible. In Ohio medicare will pay for the homecare and so do some of the private insurance companys. I work as an independent nurse myself, and my boss IS the client, they can hire and fire their own staff. This allows the client to be in control and they love it. In a nursing home, on the other hand, mom and dad get whoever's on that day. It may be an agency nurse, (unfamiliar with the facility itself, never mind your parents) or a recent grad who has little experience and no support in her first job. You could get lucky with a nursing home, but in my opinion your loved ones would be happier and better off in their own home. Good luck and pm with any questions if you like. If you want to check availablity of home care in your situation, talk with a social worker or the doctor and see if you can find out about it. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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