Questions to Ask a Skilled Nursing Facility
When the time comes to find a skilled nursing facility for a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many options available, and each one has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. How do you know which one is right for your loved one?
The best way to start is by asking the right questions. In this blog post from Twin Oaks Rehab and Nursing, we will discuss some of the most important questions to ask when choosing a skilled nursing facility. We will also provide some tips on how to find the best possible option for your loved one. Keep reading to learn more, and give us a call to schedule a tour of our facility for skilled nursing in Peabody today.
Is Your Facility Licensed?
The first question you should always ask any skilled nursing facility is whether or not they are licensed. In order to be licensed, skilled nursing facilities must meet a certain set of standards set forth by the state. These standards ensure that the facility is providing adequate care for its residents.
If a facility is not licensed, it is not held to these same standards. This means that the facility may not be providing the level of care that your loved one needs.
Is Your Facility Accredited?
In addition to being licensed, you should also make sure that the skilled nursing facility you are considering is accredited. Accreditation is a voluntary process that skilled nursing facilities undergo in order to demonstrate that they meet a certain set of standards.
These standards are set by an independent body, and they are often more stringent than the state licensing requirements. This means that an accredited facility is likely to provide a higher level of care than a non-accredited facility.
What Services Do You Offer?
Another important question to ask is what services the skilled nursing facility offers. Skilled nursing facilities offer a wide range of services, and it is important to make sure that the facility you are considering offers the services that your loved one needs.
Some of the services that skilled nursing facilities offer include:
- Help with activities of daily living
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Nutritional counseling
- Social services
- 24-hour nursing care
How Do You Handle Medication Management?
Medication management is an important part of skilled nursing care. It is important to make sure that the facility you are considering has a system in place to ensure that your loved one receives their medication on time and in the correct dosage.
The best way to do this is to ask the facility how they handle medication management. Find out what system they use, and how they make sure that each resident receives their medication as prescribed.
What Are Your Staffing Ratios?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a skilled nursing facility is the staffing ratios. The staffing ratio is the number of staff members that are assigned to each resident.
A higher staffing ratio means that there will be more staff members available to provide care for your loved one. This is important because it means that your loved one will receive the care they need in a timely manner.
What is Your Policy on Family Visitation?
Another important question to ask is what the skilled nursing facility’s policy is on family visitation. It is important to make sure that you will be able to visit your loved one when you want to, and that there are no restrictions on visiting hours.
Find out if the facility has any restrictions on family visitation, and make sure that you are comfortable with their policy before you make a decision.
What is Your Admission Process?
The admission process is another important factor to consider when choosing a skilled nursing facility. You will want to find out what the admissions process is, and what the requirements are for admission.
Find out if there is a waiting list, and how long it typically takes to get into the facility. You should also find out what type of insurance the facility accepts, as this may affect your decision.
Schedule a Tour of Twin Oaks Rehab and Nursing for Skilled Nursing in Peabody Today
Now that you know what to look for in a skilled nursing facility, it’s time to start your search. If you are considering skilled nursing in Peabody, we invite you to schedule a tour of our facility at Twin Oaks Rehab and Nursing by contacting us via email or giving us a call today!