Basic Information:
**Items we suggest you look for when choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) for your loved one:
Studying the Facility:
Review their Medicare star rating on Nursing Home Compare on the Medicare.gov web page. You can investigate the different elements that go into the star ratings and see how well the facility gives care under the quality metrics section.
We notice that far more bad reviews than good reviews are posted, and so it can be hard to know who to trust based on those alone. Your case managers, nurses, and physicians at the acute hospital will be able to give you insight on which facilities they would recommend based on the feedback they receive.
We also encourage you to physically enter the building you are looking at and see how you are greeted and watch how people interact with each other. Whether you are dropping in unexpectedly or have a tour scheduled, this will give you a lot of insight as to the overall health of the facility in terms of the quality and efficacy of the work environment.
Ensure the SNF offers the services required for your needs – for example, most facilities will give physical/occupational/speech therapy, wound care, or IV antibiotic treatments, but not all facilities will be able to accommodate a trach or a ventilator.
Resident Appearance & Living Spaces:
Each resident should be groomed well and dressed appropriately.
The temperature of the facility should make the residents feel comfortable.
The SNF is located close to family and friends. Socialization is very important to the healing process.
Each room has personal storage space, which includes a closet and drawers to store personal items. We also encourage families to bring pictures and other items of emotional sentiment.
Each bed has its own TV. Each facility will have its own system of making sure patients have access to a phone if there isn’t one in the room.
Staff:
The SNF staff are professional and well-groomed.
The staff treats each of the residents, their families, and one another with warmth, compassion, and respect.
All staff have name tags or some form of identification on their person.
Activities:
All residents, including those who aren’t able to leave their rooms, are able to participate in activities. We offer group and individual activities based on needs, preferences, and capabilities. You will want to be sure there will be activities for your loved one outside of their appointments or therapy sessions. Please feel free to inquire further upon your tour.
