Before Placing A Loved One In A Nursing Home

Before you make a decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, you need to do as much background investigation as you can, and that includes talking to loved ones or family members of loved ones at a nursing home before you make that decision. It includes talking to your loved one's doctors and say is this the appropriate nursing home for my mom or dad. It includes going to the website of the Texas Department of Human Services and looking at survey reports. It includes making unannounced visits. Don't call the nursing home administrator and make an appointment because they will ensure that the nursing home is on their best behavior. Go when they're not expecting you. Go at night. Go at shift changes. Go on the weekend. Go when they least expect your arrival so you can see how they are taking care of other residents because that will be your best indication as to how they will take care of your mom or dad when you're not there.