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Research into the treatment and prevention of a number of serious health conditions continues to grow at astounding rates each year. It should come as no surprise, then, that the average life expectancy of men and women in the United States has substantially increased in length over the past several decades. As individuals continue to live longer lives, more and more require the assistance of nursing home care. Unfortunately, the process of choosing a quality nursing home can prove to be a difficult task. Individuals who are interested in finding the best facility in their area should be sure to keep some basic tips in mind to ensure optimal results. Research Records According to Medicare, individuals who are looking for a nursing home should start by researching the health records of the facilities in question. Nursing homes are required to undergo yearly health inspections, whereby their care standards of care are evaluated. Potential residents are encouraged-and in fact, expected-to review these results before choosing a specific facility. Nursing homes that do not score well on their yearly reviews may be less than ideal for people who are looking for high quality, long-term care. Talk with Administrative Staff Before settling on a specific nursing home, potential patients-and their family members-may want to consider consultation with facility staff. Meeting with nursing home directors cannot only be an effective way to learn more about the employees, but also the options available to future residents. Individuals who are thinking about enrolling their loved ones at a specific facility may want to develop a list of questions prior to meeting with the nursing staff. Learning about the patient to staff ratio, availability of single rooms, and access to emergent medical staff are important issues that can make the difference when it comes to choosing between different nursing home options. Participate in Daily Activities Daily participation in structured activities is considered by many nursing health care providers to be a must for individuals who are residing in nursing homes. When choosing between different nursing home options, then, individuals should consider the quality and quantity of available activities. In most cases, homes that offer at least three activities fives days a week are considered to be best, at least in regards to the mental and physical stimulation of facility patients. Participation in one or more of these activities before committing to a specific nursing home can be an effective way to narrow the field of potential residences. Attend a Meal For many people, the way to their heart is through their stomach. It is unsurprising, then, that the quality of food provided at nursing homes often makes a big difference when it comes to patient satisfaction levels. While meals that are tasty and appetizing is important, those who meet medical requirements of the patients are also considered to be crucial. Patients and/or their family members should meet with dietary staff prior to committing to a home to evaluate the quality of facility food, and its compliance with nutritional requirements.
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