Myths associated with selecting quality nursing home care suggest quick and easy ways to identify quality care. In fact, relying on these myths can lead to disastrous results. I have identified a few of
most common myths in hopes of helping you avoid some of problems commonly found in many nursing homes. 1. The Smell Test
You've heard it repeatedly: "The best way to determine quality of care a nursing home provides is to be alert to bad odors when you visit home."
It seldom, if ever, works. Why? Nursing home administrators have heard very same advice. As a result, they are particularly sensitive to unpleasant odors in any area that might receive visitors. Almost all will do their best to remove offensive odors as quickly as possible, even when it means avoiding their primary responsibility to their residents.
2. The Personal Recommendation
Recently, I heard a guest on a radio talk show state that very best way to find great nursing home care is to get recommendations from a friend. Like other myths, there is a grain of truth here, but you must check whether your friend has had extensive interactions with nursing home recommended. Often that is not case.
Last weekend I dealt with an emergency call from Jim, a friend who had placed his mother in a nursing home recommended by a friend. Although she was recuperating from a stroke, no nurse or aide checked on her condition for more than 14 hours. Jim discovered her in morning with many cuts and bruises, her bedsheets soaked in blood. He was astonished that anyone would recommend such a poor care facility.
"My friend said her grandmother was in this particular nursing home," he reported. "So, I thought it would be good care."
"How often does your friend visit her grandmother?" I asked him.
"I didn't think to ask," he responded.
"And did you check latest survey for that nursing home?"
"No," he answered. "I thought a personal recommendation was all I needed."
Jim's mother is now back in an area hospital. No one knows yet how much damage this experience caused to her recovery.
3. You Get What You Pay For
Nowhere is this statement less applicable than in nursing home care. In fact, I'd replace it with another shibboleth -- "Buyer Beware." Our own research, encompassing more than 6000 nursing homes and more than 100 assisted living facilities shows no relationship between cost and quality of care. You may find quality care in an expensive facility, or you may not! Similarly, fact that a facility is low-cost does not indicate whether you'll get poor, average, or quality care. You have to do your homework. Relying on price as sole indicator of quality care can lead to disastrous results.
