Five Things To Look For In A NYC Nursing Home

Finding The Perfect Care For Your Loved One

Table Of Contents 1. Taking The Plunge 2. Broaching The Topic 3. Location, Location, Location4. Certifications and Licensing 5. Look, Feel and Smell 6. Visitation Policies 7. Staff Availability and Personality8. Questions To Ask At The Interview

Taking The Plunge : Opting For Increased Care

Signs Your Loved One Needs A Higher Level of Care: ● Lapses in memory, particularly when it comes to

medication adherence.● Increased need for medical monitoring, particularly

after a medical procedure. ● A Lack of social support resulting in a decline in

emotional well being. ● Significant decreases in mobility.

Broaching The TopicProceed With Compassion: ● Understand their hesitation and

address it. ● Highlight the benefits to them, not

you. ● Listen to their concerns and

validate. ● Suggest a visit beforehand. ● Give them time to process the

conversation.

Location, Location, LocationChoosing an NYC Nursing Home Location: ● Is it close to your primary care doctor? ● Is it close to a trusted hospital? ● Is it close to you and other family members?

If yes, proceed!

Certifications and LicensingWhat Qualifications Should Providers Have: ● NYC Department of Health Certification ● NYC Board Certifications for Physicians and

Nursing Staff ● Medicare / Medicaid Certifications.

Look, Feel, Smell : Would YOU Live There?

Red Light:

● Foul or unidentifiable odors. ● Dirty surfaces. ● Worn out or dilapidated

furniture. ● Loud noises or invasive PA

system. ● Poor lighting, or overly harsh

lighting.

Green Light:● Clean surfaces. ● PA system at low volume and

irregular intervals.● Natural lighting. ● New and well kept furniture.

Visitation Policy: Access To Your Loved One

● What are visiting hours? ● Can you take your loved one off site? ● Can you drop by unexpectedly? ● Is there protocol and safety precautions for

who is allowed to visit? ● Can your loved one refuse visitors?

If yes, proceed!

Staff Availability and Personality

Who’s Caring For Your Loved One? ● What is the nursing staff schedule? ● Are there board certified doctors with

around the clock availability? ● What is the protocol for handling

emergencies?

Questions To Ask In The Interview

● Is your facility Medicare certified? ● Is your facility Medicaid certified? ● Has the license ever been revoked?● Does your facility conduct background

checks on all of the staff members? ● How many licensed nurses are on duty

each shift? ● What is the patient to staff ratio?