Not everyone has the opportunity to look after their relative in need of care themselves. That is why there are nursing homes. There are many criteria to consider when choosing a suitable nursing home.

What criteria should be used to choose the right nursing home?

 

Probably the most important criteria for choosing a nursing home for the elderly are cost and location or transport links. Finding an affordable nursing home in the right location already limits the choice considerably.

Among the remaining options, one should get a first personal impression of the facility and the staff. The important thing here is to have a good feeling. 

 

Here are some questions you can ask when talking to the home advisory board to find out which home is right for the person in need of care:

 

 

• Who are the direct contact persons of the person in need of care and the relatives?
• Is trial living possible
• Are meal and personal care times flexible or rigid
• Can you bring your own furniture
• Is a pet allowed
• How is the social coexistence among the patients
• Is there a connection to a nearby church congregation
• How many nursing staff are available
• What training do the nursing staff have
• When was the last official test report drawn up and is it possible to inspect it?

 

 

Since July 2009, there has been a nursing care TÜV that assesses about 11000 nursing homes annually and distributes grades. This will make the search for a competent nursing home much easier. The judgements can be obtained from the health insurance company or on the internet at www.pflegenoten.de.