10 questions you should ask if you plan to place your family member in a nursing home

In life, dilemmas arise that test people in every way. Decisions must be made that require significant reflection. What we'll discuss this time is related to that.

Entrusting a loved one to the care of another person or institution is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

There are many variables that must be taken into account to make an informed, but above all, consensual, decision. Therefore, here are some key questions to ask throughout this process.

Certain life situations lead some families to consider having a loved one spend their days in a specialized home. These care centers have the infrastructure and care necessary to offer residents a quality of life.

The degree of dependency is key to deciding what to do, but first ask yourself the following:

• Does your loved one want it? This is the most important thing to consider. Your adult has the right to decide whether or not they want to be in such a place. Their decision is the starting point, so they shouldn't be persuaded, conditioned, or pressured. After all, we're talking about THEIR life.
• Can your loved one? You have to consider whether your adult has the physical, intellectual, and social capabilities to be in such a place. The last thing we want is for them to spend their days in a hostile environment.
• Does the family want to and can it? This is often a very difficult decision, accompanied by all kinds of feelings: guilt, sadness, frustration, and helplessness, among others. Clearing things up will put everyone involved on the same page.

10 questions for nursing home managers

1. What are the costs, what is included and what is not included?

This is the best starting point to avoid surprises. Clearly, the contribution made covers some aspects, while others will be left out. It's worth asking everything in this regard, including whether there are additional fees and how often they increase .

You should also find out if they have their own beds, mattresses, bedding, or care accessories, so you know if you need to bring them or if the facility already provides everything you need.

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Here's something equally important: Can the family afford something like this? The patient might want to and be able to, but what if the bill gets out of hand? Check if your current insurance covers these variables. A budget will be key .

2. What is the history of the place and how much experience do they have?

Since they're no longer under your care, you'll definitely want to know everything about where your loved one will be. It's worth asking about general medical care, supervision, nursing, general safety, and recreational activities. A location close to the family's home is always preferable, so you'll have more access to visits or in case of an emergency.

You'll need to check whether there's a contract when you sign the contract that specifies the institution's obligations and how it disclaims them. Consider this carefully based on your loved one's needs, as well as whether the facility has had any legal issues or violations.

3. Can we see the facilities in depth?

A senior living home should be much more than a place with beds for resting. Attention to every detail is essential.

Ramps, fire extinguishers, access points, steps, security cameras, training for staff and residents on what to do in case of an earthquake or fire, general operation, and even how safe the area is.

If possible, go into a random room (with permission) just to see what the place is really like, the temperature, the bathroom, and clarify whether or not your adult will be in a single room.

4. Can we interact with some residents and get to know the surroundings?

The facilities are one thing, and the atmosphere of the place is another. You should ask about visiting hours, restrictions, and, above all, see how the staff treats residents—whether they're friendly and respectful, even if they call them by name.

Pay attention to the residents' appearance: Do they look happy? Observe them, and even chat with them if you're allowed. Notice whether they look clean and comfortably dressed. Also, check to see if the rest of the furnishings look clean and pleasant.

5. How much can you cover my loved one's needs?

Each older adult's needs are unique. Some may require assistance getting out of bed, others with walking, taking their medications, or even using the bathroom or showering. We welcome questions about these.

Postural assistance and change in bedridden patients: How to do it?

In fact, some adults require specific assistance, such as speech problems, dementia, physical therapy, and medical appointments.

6. How do you select your staff?

Institutions of this type (and indeed all) should take their hiring criteria very seriously. Ask how they are recruited, if they conduct background checks, and even if they are evaluated with psychometric tests.

When you tour the facility, you can also ask if there is dedicated staff for certain residents and what the average staffing level is based on the number of seniors.

7. What is the meal system like and what does it consist of?

For some older adults, nutrition requires special attention. Ask about the menu, but especially the ingredients used. It's worth visiting the dining room and kitchen to see firsthand the hygiene practices.

Guide to helping an adult with swallowing problems feed themselves

Investigate the service hours, the number of meals per day, whether there are meal options, and particularly whether they accommodate any medically prescribed diets for specific residents. For example, if your adult requires assistance with eating, ask if the facility has staff for this.

8. Can we have a trial period?

Clearly, you can't make a definitive decision without a demonstration. First, you need to see how your adult feels over time and understand their perception.

Specify the length of the trial period and, if it ends early, whether refunds are stipulated.

9. What guidelines do you have regarding personal belongings?

Your adult will want to bring various personal items with them to their new home. But since they'll have an already furnished room, the place may have some conditions regarding the use of the spaces and their safety. Ask before making any decisions.

Clearly, there will be items that will remain in their old home. The idea is to respect all of their belongings, regardless of where the adult is. Before keeping, throwing away, donating, or selling anything that has to do with your loved one, discuss it directly with them to gain their approval.

10. What is the protocol you follow in case of emergency?

Since this is a senior residence, they must clearly specify what to do in the event of any unforeseen event related to the residents' health.

Steps to help an older adult if they have a home accident

Ask everything about it, especially if they have medical personnel on call 24 hours a day to handle these types of incidents, and when they contact the family.

May the decision to live in a residence be a solution for everyone

As we've seen, making such an important decision for everyone involved requires time for information, reflection, and, above all, consensus . A social worker or even the doctor currently treating your adult may be able to make some additional recommendations.

And to ensure that this decision is made with as much information as possible, it's worth asking the questions we've outlined. After all, this is about your loved one's well-being and quality of life .