Advise needed: Nursing home choices for a loved one.

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend's mom went through pretty major surgery this week and now

needs to be transferred permanently to a more skilled nursing

facility. They are overwhelmed with decisions and I thought I could

lend some advise to them. She had been living in an assisted living

facility and now needs more specialized care.

I haven't worked in skilled nursing facilities for over ten years and

am not sure what I should suggest they look for when searching for a

good place. Can anyone lend me some advice? I know there are many of

you out there who loads of experience that might be able to help me

help them. She will still be able to manage most of her ADL's and is

ambulatory. She needs more assistance with pushing fluids and getting

her motivated to get out and be active. Her appetite is pretty poor

and she's recovering from hiatal hernia surgery.

I'd appreciate any input you could provide, especially with specific

questions to ask when interviewing different facilities. I look

forward to hearing back from you. Much help needed!!!

Kathleen

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathleen,

I still consult in a nursing home. Here is what I'd ask/discuss/consider if?I

was considering it for a family member.

*how big is it? I live in a rural area-here, smaller is better.

*can the resident have a private room, and how much does it cost?

*what is the access to getting out of facility regularly (key word)?for lunch or

outings---apart from what family can do. Isolation without outside activities

can lead to depression.

*if resident does this--can they set up their own pc?

*are there sitting areas where resident can go to get out of room?

*can resident easily go out for overnight visits if they wish?

*how often are meds and dosages routinely reviewed? are all residents on

appropriate vitamin-minerals?

*when is the regular care plan meeting, and can family call in to attend?

Hope this helps.

?Marilyn E. Jess, MS, RD, DTM

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how you are living your purpose. Your goals enable you to realize your vision. "

-- Bob Proctor

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[Guest guest]

Dear Kathleen,

I still consult in a nursing home. Here is what I'd ask/discuss/consider if?I

was considering it for a family member.

*how big is it? I live in a rural area-here, smaller is better.

*can the resident have a private room, and how much does it cost?

*what is the access to getting out of facility regularly (key word)?for lunch or

outings---apart from what family can do. Isolation without outside activities

can lead to depression.

*if resident does this--can they set up their own pc?

*are there sitting areas where resident can go to get out of room?

*can resident easily go out for overnight visits if they wish?

*how often are meds and dosages routinely reviewed? are all residents on

appropriate vitamin-minerals?

*when is the regular care plan meeting, and can family call in to attend?

Hope this helps.

?Marilyn E. Jess, MS, RD, DTM

Distinguished Toastmaster

http://journals.aol.com/rdms87/SpeakingOf/

" Your purpose explains what you are doing with your life. Your vision explains

how you are living your purpose. Your goals enable you to realize your vision. "

-- Bob Proctor

________________________________________________________________________

More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! -

http://webmail.aol.com