If you’re not sure what nursing home is right for your loved one, making a final choice can become overwhelming. However, if you know what questions to ask your potential nursing home choices directors, you can make the choice much easier. To help you navigate this difficult time, here are seven questions that you should be asking all nursing home directors before making a final choice as to where you’ll be sending your loved one: 

1. What are your visitation policies? 

Before you can make a final decision on any nursing home that you may be considering, you must ensure that the visitation policies they have in place will work out for you, your loved one, and their other family members. A nursing home’s director will give you a solid, easy-to-understand breakdown of these policies and should be able to inform you of any potential changes that might be happening to them shortly. If a nursing home’s visiting hours change without warning, and you suspect elderly abuse is happening behind the scenes, you should contact a trusted nursing home lawyer to navigate this trying situation. 

2. Can you show me resident recommendations for the facility? 

Even if a facility seems perfect, it’s possible that it may not have the reputation that you’re looking for. Asking a nursing home’s director face-to-face about their residents’ experiences, their reviews of the home, and past residents’ reviews of the home will be of utmost importance. By being upfront in asking for these reviews and recommendations, you can quickly assess how honest and worthwhile a facility is – making sure that you make the correct choice for your elderly loved one’s future. In the wake of the nursing home Covid-19 crisis, knowing that a nursing home’s reputation has remained intact has become especially important. 

3. How can I ensure my loved one’s emotional needs are met as they move in? 

Not every aspect of your loved one’s transition into their new nursing home living situation will fall onto the shoulders of the nursing home staff or your loved one for that matter. Doing your best to help transition your loved one into this new stage of their life shows them that you care, and can do wonders for their spirit. Since the nursing home’s director has seen countless families go through this situation, they will give you great advice as to how you can ensure your loved one’s emotional needs are met during this transitory period. 

4. What community events do you offer for your residents? 

During their first few months at the facility, your loved one is likely to feel lonely. However, if they can begin to feel like they are part of the home’s community of residents and staff, their transition will be much easier. Asking a home’s director about what type of community events they offer will allow you to know that they truly value building a sense of community within the facility’s walls. Additionally, this can help you hype your loved one up about community events that you know they will enjoy. 

5. How often does it typically take new residents to adjust to their new living situation? 

Knowledge is power, especially in situations that seem completely alien. Nursing home directors can give you insider knowledge about how long it takes residents to adjust, and they will give you tips and tricks that will help you ease your elderly loved one’s mind. The director will be your number one source for making sure your loved one’s transition goes as smoothly as possible, after all. 

6. What amenities help set your facility apart from your competitors? 

Knowing that your loved one will have the ability to develop hobbies, enjoy time outside, access the internet, and other important amenities are crucial. If a home does not have the amenities that your loved one needs to feel comfortable, it is not the right choice for them. By asking the director about the amenities they provide, you can get a detailed explanation of what your loved one has to look forward to in their new home. 

7. Can I follow up with you about my loved one’s first few weeks if they move in? 

Lastly, you should ensure the nursing home director is willing to field your questions and concerns after your loved one makes the move into the facility. Simply ask them if you can follow up after your loved one moves in, usually after a few weeks, to ensure you’ll retain access to this important staff member. 

Questions Can Ease Your Mind (and Your Loved One’s Mind)

By asking these seven questions, you can easily assess how loving, compassionate, and professional the director of a nursing home is. Knowing that the choice you’re going with will treat your loved one like family is critical, and will help ease both your mind and your loved one’s mind.