No matter the circumstances, having to choose a nursing home for a loved one is a difficult task. Although nursing homes tend to be the last resort, many times, these facilities offer an experience that is simply unmatched by home care. Nursing homes can attend to the needs of your loved ones on a 24-hour basis, which for many families who work is simply not a possibility.

However, you also want to rest assured that your loved one is extremely cared for, here is how you can pick the best nursing home…

​Location and size are two of the most important factors when deciding upon the most suitable care home. You want to be close enough to visit on a regular basis, however, you want to ensure that it’s also the right fit for your loved one and small enough for them to be cared for attentively.

Due to the history of negligence in nursing homes, the most worrying aspect is the fear that your loved one will be mistreated during their stay. Thankfully, with a bit of research, you can now see which homes have a bad reputation and poor violation history.

Another way to choose a nursing home is by finding one that focuses on a specific area of care. Different institutions will be more adept at caring for different illnesses. For example, some homes offer a special emphasis on care for patients with dementia.

S​ometimes the best way to find a hidden gem is by asking around for recommendations. If you have friends or family that have also gone through the same process, it could be helpful to ask them for advice, even if it’s just to tell you which homes you should stay away from.

Not everyone has the opportunity to take their time when making such an important decision. However, if you can take the time to thoroughly research and visit facilities before you make a decision, you should do this.

​No matter how many video calls, brochures, and videos you look at, nothing will compare to seeing the facility in person. You need to be there physically in order to get a feel for the place. This way you can interact with the staff yourself and ask residents any questions you may have. 

At the end of the day, you want to feel at peace with your decision. If you are able to, we recommend that you take your time when looking for the right nursing home. This isn’t a decision that you really want to rush into. 

There are many factors that make a fantastic care home, so try to find one that fits all of your criteria. If you can, go out and scout the different locations. If you have a bad feeling about any, trust your instincts and keep looking until you find the perfect fit.