Looking into potential nursing homes or other senior care facilities? or thinking ahead about the process? One aspect you will want to consider is whether or not the facility is a for-profit or not-for-profit. In an article from U.S. News, “Nonprofit Versus For-Profit Senior Care – Is There a Difference?”, it is suggested that you might want to take this into consideration.
According to David G. Stevenson, an associate professor of health policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, studies have shown that the typical not-for-profit senior care facility is higher quality than a for-profit which typically more poorly perform. That is not to say that there are not wonderful for-profit facilities, but data does show that when considering senior care locations a good place to start is looking into not-for-profit, as they tend to have better outcomes.
The downside is that the majority of senior care options are structured around for-profit which can make it hard to find a not-for-profit in your area. While it is important to consider the ownership status of a senior care option, there are several other aspects to examine when doing your research.
You will want to visit the facilities you are considering. With nursing homes and assisted living facilities, these visits can help you get a sense of the organizational culture. You will want to take a tour and talk to the staff. Ask questions like how long folks have worked there, how many residents do they work with, and what their favorite part is about working there and what keeps them there. Grabbing a meal while you are there is also a good idea, it helps round out understanding what the experience will be like. If you can talk to residents that would be another helpful research tool. Talk with on-site administrators as well; look into how a place is managed and how leadership approaches senior care. Of course, make sure you pay attention to inspection reports and check out other resources like the governmental website Nursing Home Compare.
All of these things can help you with finding the best facility to suit your needs, regardless if they are for-profit or not-for-profit.
Ultimately, you will want to consult with someone who is an expert of determining the best care facility. Having an experienced elder law attorney is a wise idea as they typically are familiar with facilities in your area and also can help you with advocating for yourself.
To learn more about how we can help you with this and other elder law topics, visit our websitetoday to schedule your consultation!
Reference: U.S. News (October 30, 2018), “Nonprofit Versus For-Profit Senior Care – Is There a Difference?”
