Picking a nursing home for yourself or a loved one is a big decision, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s for a short-term stay or something more long-term, you want to make sure your loved one gets the best care in a safe, comfortable environment. But not every facility offers the same level of care or attention. As both a registered nurse and nursing home abuse attorney, I want to share some key things to think about when choosing a nursing home in Ohio.

How do I start looking for a nursing home?

When you’re starting your search, there are some great resources to help you make an informed choice:

• The Ohio Department of Health has a useful Nursing Home Compare Navigator tool that gives you details on licensed facilities, including inspection reports and quality ratings.
• Medicare.gov also offers a comparison tool for nursing homes across the country.
• Local Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio are another great resource and can give personalized assistance.
• AARP provides helpful guides for choosing nursing homes and planning for the financial side of things.
• Community groups or online forums can also provide first-hand recommendations.
• Google reviews are another useful tool, often offering insights from former employees and family members of residents about their experiences with the facility.

Another consideration when building your list is whether a nursing home is for- and non-profit. Read more about the differences here.

What should I be looking for during my visit?

When visiting a potential nursing home, there are some key things that can help you gauge the quality of care and overall feel of the place.

1. Check out the cleanliness. Are common areas and resident rooms tidy and well-maintained? This can be a big sign of good management. Taste the food during mealtimes. Is it something you would want to eat every day?
2. Ask about the variety of activities available. You want to see options that encourage socialization and keep residents mentally and physically active. Look for options like arts and crafts, exercise classes, and outings, as they can enhance the residents’ experience.
3. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio and turnover rates—these can directly impact the level of care your loved one will get.
4. It’s also a good idea to ask about safety features like handrails and memory care units. Ask the staff to share the procedures for handling emergencies.
5. Talk to staff and other residents (and their families) to get a feel for the facility. Hearing directly from everyone from housekeeping staff to nursing staff to families can tell you a lot about the level of care and the overall culture. Watch how the staff interacts with the residents. Are they kind, respectful, and engaged? Or, are they impatient and irritated?
6. Go with your gut. Observe how residents are passing the time, and whether they look content. Does the place feel welcoming and supportive for both residents and families?

What kind of staffing should a nursing home have?

Adequate staffing has a direct correlation to quality of care. At least one registered nurse (RN) should always be on-site to handle more complex medical needs, licensed practical nurses should be available to assist with daily medical care and support the RNs, and there should be plenty of certified nursing assistants to help residents with their daily activities and provide personal attention. Additionally, ongoing staff training is critical to make sure the team is up to date on the latest best practices.

What about specialty services?

Every resident has unique medical and lifestyle needs, so finding a fit for those individual requirements is a big piece of the puzzle. What’s most important for your parent or loved one? Maybe you’re worried about your mom wandering because of her Alzheimer’s, and you need a facility with strong memory care services and secure areas to keep her safe. Or perhaps your biggest concern is finding a place that offers diabetes-friendly meal options, along with regular blood sugar monitoring. Maybe your dad needs regular dialysis treatments, and you want to make sure he can receive them in-house without the stress of being transported to another facility. Make sure to ask the nursing staff how they cater to special needs.

What are the different ways I can pay for nursing home care?

The cost of nursing home care varies, so it’s smart to discuss pricing upfront. Ask what’s included in the base rate and whether there are extra fees for specialized care. Here are some common ways people pay for nursing home care:

• Private pay: Some families pay out-of-pocket, which offers flexibility but adds up over time.
• Long-Term care insurance: If you or your loved one has a policy, this can help cover costs. Be sure to review the details, as policies differ.
• Medicaid: This program helps low-income individuals with nursing home costs.
• Medicare: Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, but it can help with short-term stays for rehab after a hospital visit.
• Veterans’ benefits: Veterans may qualify for financial assistance through the VA, including Aid and Attendance benefits.
• Life insurance: Some people use life insurance to pay for long-term care, either by converting it into cash or using a policy’s long-term care rider.

It’s a good idea to discuss payment options with the nursing home and consider talking to a financial advisor or elder law attorney to figure out the best plan for your family.

Additional resources for choosing a nursing home in Ohio

Choosing a nursing home can be challenging, but with thorough research, visits, and asking the right questions, you can greatly improve the chances of your loved one receiving the quality care they deserve.

If you or a loved one has questions about choosing the right facility or has experienced an injury or abuse in a nursing home, I encourage you to reach out to my office today. Schedule a free consultation, and let me put my extensive experience to work for you.