Fair Deal Advice Blog

Guide To Help You Choose A Nursing Home For Your Relative

The recent Prime Time Investigates programme highlighted totally unacceptable operating standard in two Nursing Homes operated by a large Group. This programme will no doubt have created fear and apprehension for those looking for long-term care facilities for their loved one.

From ours and our clients experience thankfully the majority of Nursing Homes are operated at a high standard and I do not believe that this programme is in any way reflective of the standard of care provided by Nursing Homes and their dedicated and caring staff throughout the country.

While we do not specifically recommend any particular Nursing Home to our clients, I strongly recommend that you follow our guidelines below when reviewing and selecting a Nursing Home for your relative.

Recommended guidelines and checks when choosing a Nursing Home

Visit the shortlisted Nursing Homes

It is important that you visit the shortlisted Nursing Homes if practical before you admit your relative.

Use your senses.
• When in the Nursing Home use your Eyes to observe what is going on and are you happy with what you see. Is the Nursing Home clean, tidy and well organised and maintained, and are residents looking cared for and happy, and are Staff happy, organised and caring.

• Use your Ears and listen to what you hear. Is the Nursing Home calm or noisy with Bells ringing and are Residents calling out or are they happy and laughing. Does the Nursing Home sound organised or chaotic.

• Use your Nose, does the Nursing Home smell clean and fresh, or are there smells that would indicate poor levels of care, cleaning, hygiene and maintenance.

Local knowledge and feedback
Ask friends, neighbours, work colleagues etc do they know anything about the home, check out google reviews.

HIQA Reports
Read the HIQA reports and check the frequency of inspections in the last twelve months, check the level of non-compliances in the reports and if any, what are the

Nursing Home management doing to resolve. Nursing Homes may from time to time have non-compliances and if so, Managements response should advise what they are doing to resolve the issue.

Review the extras charged by the home:
Ask what the extra charges for services and entertainment and activities are. Ask for a copy of the Contract of Care. This is very important in South Dublin where some Nursing Homes charge over €500pw for entertainment and activities, while the majority will charge between €50 and €100pw. Even if you are happy to pay the higher charges, ask can your relative afford this additional level of charges which is not covered by the FD.

Proximity
If possible, pick a Nursing Home that is close to your relative’s family and friends so that visiting is easier which is particularly important for older persons or those depending on public transport. You can always move your relative closer to your home even if it is in a different county.

Moving Nursing Home
If you are unhappy with the Nursing Home that you have chosen for your relative when they are a resident or you have a change in circumstances such as a job relocation, which will mean that you are no longer close to your relative, please note that you can always move your relative to a different home. You will have to give notice per the Contract of Care to the existing Nursing Home, and you will have to notify the HSE of the change in home so that any Fair Deal funding being received can be transferred to the new home.

Sometimes due to overcrowding/bed shortages in hospitals the HSE may transfer your relative from hospital to a Nursing Home on transitional care without your consent. You do not have to accept this Nursing Home if it does not suit you long-term. If you find a more suitable Nursing Home often the transitional care funding can be transferred to the new home.

The above list is not exhaustive but hopefully will assist you in making the right decision when choosing a Nursing Home for your relative.

If you need further assistance or advice please contact us at advice@fairdealadvice.ie or phone 086 601 5042 or visit our website and our Blog page which contains advice on many topics relating to the Fair Deal and long-term care.