Health Tip: Choosing a Nursing Home

(HealthDay News) -- If a close relative or friend needs to enter a nursing home -- temporarily due to injury, or due to a long-term illness -- there are many things to consider before settling on the right one.

The Ohio State University and the Ohio Department of Aging recommend that you do your homework before choosing a nursing home. Read reviews and inspection reports, talk to people who have been there, and with social workers and nursing home advocacy groups. Visit the homes you are interested in, and pay attention to cleanliness, attentiveness of staff, quality of food, and activities they offer. Also check to see if the facility is Medicare/Medicaid-certified.

Notice how staff interacts with residents, how residents respond, and the overall "feel" of the facility. Make sure it is well-equipped with safety measures, like smoke detectors, hand rails, and emergency lights, and be sure that the building is well-secured.

You should also ask about visiting hours, and if family members are encouraged to visit often. You may want to be cautious of any facility that discourages regular visits. Find out which personal items are allowed -- photos, trinkets and other memorabilia that can help your loved one feel more at home.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: April 1, 2006