If you have a senior family member who can no longer manage their own care safely, the consideration of nursing home placement may arise. Deciding on nursing home care is often a challenging choice, but once made, the crucial task becomes finding the most suitable facility. To help you find the right facility for your needs, the attorneys at Legacy Estate Planning, LLC provide insights into choosing the right Washington State nursing home for your loved one.
Is It Time for Nursing Home Care?
Few individuals wish to transition to a nursing home, with most preferring to age in place at home or with relatives. Consequently, the number of unpaid family caregivers in the United States continues to rise annually. For caregivers, acknowledging that a loved one requires care beyond what they can provide may be difficult. The time may come, however, when your loved one needs constant care, or you may be concerned about their safety without someone there. In that case, it might be time to consider a nursing home.
Addressing Concerns about Elder Abuse and Neglect
Moving a loved one to a nursing home often prompts concerns about elder abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, such worries are valid, as instances of abuse and neglect occur at an alarming rate—and experts estimate that for every instance of elder abuse that is reported, as many as 40 acts of elder abuse go unreported. It’s important to note, though, that these issues can also arise in family care settings as well. In fact, two out of three perpetrators of elder abuse are a member of the victim’s family. In light of the frequency with which elder abuse and neglect occur, to ensure your loved one’s safety, take your time selecting a nursing home and remain vigilant even after the move. Regular, unannounced visits can help verify your loved one’s well-being and the quality of care received.
Guidelines for Choosing the Right Nursing Home in Washington State
The key to selecting the right nursing home lies in thorough research and asking pertinent questions. Begin your search by exploring the Washington State Department of Health and Social Services website, which provides a list of licensed nursing home facilities in the state. Other valuable resource include the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and the Elder Care Locator websites, both of which can help you find quality, licensed elder care facilities in your area.
Once you’ve identified facilities with positive reputations, create a list of questions for administrators. Some essential inquiries include:
- What is the monthly cost?
- What is the patient-to-staff ratio?
- What is involved in screening employees?
- Is there a licensed physician on-site at all times?
- Can you provide a sample menu?
- What recreational activities are available for residents, and how frequently?
- How are resident or family complaints handled?
- Is transportation provided for residents?
If your loved one has specific needs, inquire about those as well. Schedule meetings with administrators, but also make surprise visits to observe the facility when staff is unprepared. If possible, speak with current residents and staff to gather additional insights before finalizing your decision. Most importantly, involve your senior loved one when possible to find out what is most important the them when it comes to choosing a new place to live.
Do You Have Additional Questions about Choosing a Nursing Home in Washington State?
If you have questions about choosing a Washington State nursing home, or about other elder law issues, contact the experienced Bellevue elder law attorneys at Legacy Estate Planning, LLC by calling (425) 455-6788 to schedule an appointment.
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