There are a few simple factors to focus on that can make all the difference in the world. If you get these right, you will eliminate months of headaches down the road.

Keep Grandma Close

Loneliness and isolation are two tremendous threats to elders in full-time nursing care. When they have been living close to you for years, the transition can be especially painful. Finding a nursing home that is close to home, then, is of utmost importance. It might be tempting to choose one that’s further down because of better amenities or facilities, but do not minimize the importance of proximity. For her sake. If you choose that further facility, ask yourself how often, realistically speaking, you will actually drive down to see her? But what if she was close? Would you see her more often? How much more often?

Chances are, the answer to that question will be more important to your loved one than the size of her bedroom.

Nursing Home Quality

Of course, if the closest Oregon Nursing Facility in your town is a pathetic dump with a terrible reputation, a longer drive will definitely be worth it. But how do you know how your local nursing homes rank?

Fortunately, there are a plethora of online resources that you can check out right on your computer. US News & World Report consistently publishes the results of Nursing Home quality surveys from facilities all over the country. The reports of patient abuse and neglect have launched a host of watchdogs and systems that bring Nursing Practices out of the dark. If the home in your town has been accused of abusing or neglecting it’s residents, you will see it. And you will see how the facility ranks in cleanliness, staff, etc.

Be sure to read these types of reports, which also appear at the Medicare website. Find a home with a low level of complaints, and a good track record for patient care. The information is out there for you to see!

Madicaire / Pricing

Those same nursing home reports will also indicate whether a facility accepts Medicare. Most of them will. If not, their prices are often listed online, or can be found with a quick phone call.

Go See It

No amount of online research can make up for a first hand look at the facility. So go check it out yourself. You can make an appointment if you have a ton of questions, but sometimes it’s best just to show up unannounced. That way you can see how the staff work together, how clean the place is, how happy the residents are, etc.

Overwhelmed? Get help from an elder care team that knows how to work through all of these details! Click on the banner below to get personalized listings, advice, and information from our friends at A Place For Mom!

Before you think of Nursing Homes–once thought to be the only option–you need to consider Assisted Living.

Understandably, our seniors want to stay independent for as long as possible because they see the alternative as Dependent Living. For the Greatest Generation, this is not an attractive option.

But with Assisted Living, the move into a senior community does not have to spell the end of senior freedom and identity. In fact, it can actually enhance a seniors lifestyle.

Assisted Living homes have become immensely popular for our aging loved ones for many reasons, but the main one is this: These communities allow them to be on their own without being alone. There are medical resources all around, and there are people that are paid to check on them and promote their well being. The staff helps with laundry and housekeeping, meals and social events. Along the way, many seniors form wonderful friendships in these communities, whether from weekly shopping outings or afternoon tea.

Many Assisted Living Communities have a Continuing Care option, which allows seniors to move into fill-time nursing care (usually in the same facility) if and when the time comes. This often allows for a smooth transitions during an inevitably tough time.

The Assisted Living “Half-way” option is trending now for a reason: it works. Seniors benefit, and their families benefit from knowing they are cared for and still able to be free. So before you think of Nursing Homes as the only option, check out other types of Elder Care in Oregon. Or click on the banner below to get on the fast track!