Should You Change Your Parent’s Nursing Home?

Changing nursing homes is not always easy and can come with a lot of challenges. However, it is possible. Change can be disruptive, and it can be easy to get stuck in the details, but don’t forget about the emotional and psychological needs of your parents as you consider the big move.

What To Consider

If you’re thinking of changing nursing homes, make sure that this is the right decision for you and your parents. Have your parent’s care needs changed? Do you want them closer to you? Has there been a problem at their current home, such as suffering injures from a nursing home?

There might be other options to think about before you decide to move your parent. Just because your elderly parent is in a home now, this doesn’t mean they have to stay there. A lot of will depend on their physical and mental status and whether there is the possibility of a less restrictive living situation.

Are Any Problems Unsolvable?

If you are moving your parent due to poor standards of care in their current home, have you made every possible effort to resolve these problems? One complaint, in any long-term care setting, is unlikely to get much in the way of results. You have to be insistent and persistent.

If your parent is unhappy with their care, speak to the aide supervisor. A common complaint in nursing homes is long response times from aides, which is usually down to inadequate staffing. If there are problems with nursing, speak to the director of nursing. For therapy issues, speak to the director of therapy.

If you need to, go all the way to the director of the nursing home. If you still don’t get the results that you’re hoping for, now is the time to start thinking about a change. Think about making a report to your state’s ombudsman program or the state health department. By doing this, you can help future families to avoid issues like yours. In some cases, the ombudsman may decide to make an investigation that makes the home make some changes.

What Is The Medical Status Of Your Loved One?

If your parents are very frail, moving them might not be safe. Assess their medical status by talking to the doctor who oversees their care.

Ask them about the physical, emotional, and mental consequences of a move. If the transfer might worsen a medical condition or cause a lot of upheavals, you might want to rethink.

Is There A Better Nursing Home Available?

Before you rush to find a new nursing home, make sure there is actually a better one available before you burn your bridges. Do your homework so you can find somewhere that addresses your concerns and avoids the problems that you are currently dealing with.

Check the state oversight programs like the ombudsman and state health departments to get the facts about any home you’re considering. Ask about their visitation policy, so you know you can stay close.