Finding the right nursing home for a loved one is a major decision. With so many options and stories of neglect or abuse, families need a clear process for evaluating living facilities and protecting their loved ones’ safety.
The process can be much smoother if you are adequately prepared and aware of what to look out for. It also helps to have someone in your corner, especially if questions about safety, neglect, or liability arise. A Louisville personal injury lawyer can help you navigate your legal options if something goes wrong. Here’s what you should keep in mind.
Know what matters most to your family
Start by figuring out what your loved one needs and values. Some families prioritize skilled nursing care or specialized memory support for dementia patients, while others look for proximity to hospitals or relatives or access to physical therapy.
If your loved one is nearing the end stages of life, consider exploring palliative, home health, or hospice care options. Other features like dining rooms and social activities might influence your decision. Thinking through these priorities ahead of time will help you compare nursing homes more confidently.
Understand nursing home costs and who pays
Nursing homes in Kentucky can be costly, but several payment options may be available depending on your loved one’s circumstances:
- Medicaid: Covers long-term care for those who qualify financially
- Medicare: Pays for short-term skilled nursing after hospitalization
- Long-term care insurance: If your loved one has a policy
- Veterans Affairs benefits: Includes Aid & Attendance for eligible veterans or spouses
- Social Security or SSI: Can help offset monthly expenses
- Private funds: Retirement savings, investments, or proceeds from home sales
- Life insurance conversions: Certain policies may be used to fund nursing home care
Some families also explore whether their health insurance covers any short-term rehabilitation stays or transitional care following hospital discharge, though coverage is often limited
Use trusted resources to compare facilities
Before scheduling tours, visit Medicare’s Care Compare tool to research certified nursing homes in Kentucky. You’ll find inspection reports, quality ratings, health care reports, staffing levels, and complaint histories.
You can also view recent inspection records through the Kentucky Office of Inspector General, which regulates long-term care facilities across the state. Inspection reports are conducted under both state and federal guidelines, so reviewing this data helps families understand whether a facility is meeting required standards for care and safety
Tour multiple times and know what to ask
Touring a nursing home gives you the chance to observe the state of the living arrangements, meet staff members, and get a sense of how residents are treated. Pay close attention to staff interactions. Are they respectful and attentive? Do they exhibit quality of care? Are residents alert, clean, and engaged? It’s also important to know whether they charge extra for things like personal care, therapy, or medication management.
Questions to ask during your tour:
- What are the care facility’s visiting hours?
- What are the visitation rules?
- What services are included in monthly room and board costs?
- Do the rooms have emergency call systems for residents to call for staff?
- What types of organized social activities does the facility have for its residents?
- Can the staff show the results of their last three survey inspections? If not, why?
- Is the nursing home facility locked after a specific time at night?
- Are there separate à la carte services that are additional charges?
- How often are care plans updated, and is family input included?
Don’t be afraid to request documents or clarification. If staff are hesitant or vague, that may be a red flag. You’ll get the most accurate picture by visiting at different times: once during a weekday and once during a meal or shift change. This gives you a fuller sense of how the facility operates day-to-day.
Don’t overlook the doctor’s opinion
Doctors are a great and commonly overlooked resource. They are likely to tell you about the facilities they recommended or would choose for a loved one of their own. They may also have firsthand knowledge of local nursing homes based on patient outcomes or previous discharge placements. Ask which facilities they would recommend (or avoid) for someone with your loved one’s specific needs.
Involve your family and trust your instincts
This decision is rarely one you’ll make alone. Discuss your options with close family members or caregivers, and talk through your concerns. Getting additional perspectives can help you spot things you may have missed and confirm when something feels “off.” The goal is to make sure your loved one feels safe and respected.
Be cautious when reviewing nursing home contracts
Before signing, take the time to thoroughly review the nursing home contract. Look for details about deposit requirements, refund policies, and how the skilled nursing home facility handles transitions to higher levels of care. If the contract includes a forced arbitration clause, which would limit your legal options in case of nursing home abuse or neglect, be especially cautious. Ask questions about anything you may have concerns about, and have someone you trust look over it. If anything seems confusing or concerning, have an attorney review the documents with you.
Know when to speak with an attorney
Even when families do everything right, problems can still come up. Abuse, neglect, medical errors, or wrongful discharges can happen in poorly run facilities, and the consequences can be devastating. If your loved one has suffered harm or you suspect something is wrong, speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Kentucky. It’s important to note that Kentucky has a statute of limitations that limits the time by which you must file a lawsuit. Reaching out to an attorney can help you navigate this to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to file.
At Grossman Green PLLC, we’ve helped families hold negligent nursing homes accountable and protect their loved ones. If you need help reviewing a contract or filing a claim, we’re here to support you.
Get support before you sign or settle
Choosing a nursing home is a big decision. Before making a decision and signing a contract for your loved ones’ nursing home, consulting an attorney may be beneficial. This will also build a rapport in case any legal action needs to be taken later. Contact our attorneys at (502) 657-7100 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you and protect your loved one’s rights.