My mother-in-law is 82 and has been living by herself for a while. But now it looks like she is going to need to move to
an assisted living facility or nursing home. Her only source of income is social security/medicare. Any suggestions or ideas
of how to find a GOOD nursing home in the Cleveland, Ohio area would be appreciated!!
Thank You
Debbie 1|1|Debbie, start with her local Counsil on Aging office to ask for information on facilities that work with those who only have SS benefits.....also does she own property that will need to be sold either before or after she moves to a facility? If NOT, she may qualify for Medicaid, so getting her applied for that would be another priority.....sorry I can't help more, would need more info, and not sure how much personal info about her you wanted to share here.....the Counsil on Aging office should be able to provide guidance for free on what steps to take, facilities in the area, etc....just went through this my mom over the summer.|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|11:44:29|11/23/2011|
" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."
2|1|See inside|Basketcase|basketbubby@hotmail.com|12:18:11|11/23/2011|
Make sure to check each one carefully , we had to put my 98 year old great great grandmother in one and we looked at many.
We stopped in at times when they were not expencting us to come . I googled each place and I also asked different nurses that I know , about each place.
3|1|If you opt for a longterm care facility (nursing home), you can check the CMS (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services) site for the "5 Star Report" on any longterm care facility in the country. link inside.|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|12:25:58|11/23/2011|
http://www.cms.gov/CertificationandComplianc/13_FSQRS.asp
As far as I know, this does not apply to independent living or assisted living facilities, just SNFs (skilled nursing facilities) and longterm care facilities.
Scroll down the page for some information on the 5 Star Rating itself, and then you can go here to compare nursing homes
There is also info here on alternatives to nursing homes
http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/static/tabSI.asp?language=English&activeTab=3&subTab=3&version=default
Also, the best way to find out about a place is to ask around.....ask people who live there, ask their families....even ask the staff how they like working there, observe their manners and attitudes as you take a tour....happy staff means a happy 'home'.
HTH :)
" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."
4|1|Look at all your options and make some surprise visits in the evening hours.....|Quietwaters|Quietwaters39@hotmail.com|13:55:45|11/23/2011|
just to get a feel of the place. When they know you are coming, they can kind of direct you to the areas they want you to see. This can be a positive experience if family stays involved.
************
So I hope they're helpful to you.
Asking around w/neighbors, friends, etc. is a really good idea as word of mouth can be your best indicator. Whether it's a nursing home or asst. living facility, go there yourself in person, stay for a bit watching & walking around. Take note of how it smells inside (not just in the main area but thru the halls, etc.). What are residents & staff doing - are there alot of residents sitting in chairs in the hallways or other areas like zombies? Are residents out & about? Does the place look deserted cuz they're all left in bed or in their rooms? Does the staff seem to be attentive when I resident needs help? Are nurses & CNA's out & about checking on residents or do most of the nurses/cna's appear to be congregated around the desk or other area not paying much attention? Are they friendly & talkative? Are there any activities going on - bingo, baking, games, etc.? There should be a calendar for the month posted in a visible area listing daily activities & possibly too, a weekly menu listing what's for breakfast/lunch/supper should a family member or other visitor want to have a meal w/a resident, if the facility allows such. Does it smell like urine or some other nasty smell when you come in the door? Does it smell in the hallways around by the rooms? Does it appear to be clean in the main areas, hallways, residential rooms? Is the administrator, head nurse & social worker readily available? Are they friendly & helpful or are they short & evasive when you ask questions? Does it feel warm enough for residents w/limited mobility? Are there alarms on the doors to alert staff if a patient tries to head outside unassisted?
Check the kitchen, activity area & dining area as well as visitor bathrooms for cleanliness & smells.
These are a few things I'd be looking at when checking out facilities. Fortunately, we have a really good nursing home here in town as well as 2 assisted living facilities. They are clean & safe & the staff is awesome, including the administrator who cares enough to get to know everyone (including family, visitors & volunteers) by name.
I hope you find one you & your loved one feel comfortable & happy with. :)
Smile... it makes people wonder what you're up to!
Please identify yourself in 1st email w/name/username. Due to recent problem trades, if I haven't traded w/you before, I will probably require you send your end 1st or I'll need LEGIT trade references/feedback. I will be happy to provide the same. IF you plan to hold your end til you've received mine, I will need to know that IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE trade is finalized.
6|2|my dad went into a nursing home in july.....everyone has giving u good advice...but..you can visit.....and do suprize visits.......till you are blue in the face|couponsnsamples|cpsnsamples@aol.com|00:38:09|11/24/2011|
and you will never know if what you are seeing.......is what you are gonna get............if you know what i mean......
my best advice is to place her.....in one that is close to you and other relatives.....and dont make a habit of visiting at the same time each day
keep them on their toes......so they never know when you are gonna pop in...and most of all.........dont be afraid to address any problems you see when it comes to your relative!
when it comes to medicare... Here in ky....no matter if you sell a property...or close her banking accounts..ect.......you still have to account for it up to 5 yrs back.........
7|3|Thank you to everyone for the good advice|DE01740|DESimunek@yahoo.com|00:41:40|11/24/2011|
As far as her owning property....that is not a problem. Before moving into her current apartment.....she rented the
upstairs of a 2 family house for years. To my knowledge...she has never had property in her name. She did own a car
once but that was sold several years ago.
Thank You
Debbie 8|3|Actually, for Medicaid eligibility, once any property is sold, then they would be on a spend down...once the cash assets are gone, they are eligible for Medicaid....and one can apply and be pending while that process is going on.|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|00:56:01|11/24/2011|
" You'll get what's coming to you ... Unless it was mailed."