SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES
How to Find the Best Skilled Nursing Finding the right Skilled Nursfor Your Parent ing care for your parent can be a stressful experience because you want to make sure you make the best choice for your loved one and their unique situation.
How do you make the best-informed decision? Unfortunately, there’s no one source to turn to; instead, you will need to consult several sources. However, when used together, they can help you see the whole picture so you can feel confident you are making the right decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the best option: Word of Mouth—One of the best places to start your search is to ask people you know for suggestions. Keep in mind that word of mouth can be highly subjective. What is right for another person may not be what’s right for your parent. You can also consult your doctor or other local social services and healthcare providers. Government Agencies—Another place to assess your options is a government rating agency, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which ranks care providers on a five-star scale. For instance, Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge in Redding, CT has a fivestar rating in all categories (health,
staffing and quality measures) and a five-star overall rating. Five-star communities are recognized as being far above average and providing the highest levels of care. Professional Reviews— Consult a respective leader in health rankings, such as U.S. News & World Report, which publishes a yearly review of senior care communities. More than 15,000 facilities are evaluated and rated to help you compare communities of interest against each other. More Ways to Evaluate Communities Finally, AARP recommends making an in-person visit to the communities that interest you. There, you can talk to and observe both associates and residents. You will learn more about the communities from the people who know them best and get answers to any questions you may have. There are many choices when it comes to Skilled Nursing. However, taking the time to get informed will make you feel confident in your final decision and ensure optimal health outcomes. ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Carla Dunford, Ridge Crest Administrator at Meadow Ridge and may be reached at 203-544-1000 or by email at cdunford@benchmarkquality.com
156 SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT – FAIRFIELD, NEW HAVEN, AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES – WINTER 2021- SPRING 2022
