Such findings may alarm Americans, but a gerontology specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas said consumers who conduct research on prospective facilities and discuss all options with family members can find an appropriate nursing home for themselves or loved ones.

Nursing homes are not suitable for everyone, said Dr. Kevan Namazi, chairman of gerontology at Southwestern Allied Health Sciences School. It is important to have an earnest discussion about options from medical needs to the level of assistance required with the person who is considering living in a nursing home. Involving him or her in the decision-making process can help ease anxiety during this transitionary period.

According to the Administration on Aging, 5 percent of Americans 65 or older live in the nations more than 17,500 nursing homes.

With so many choices available, knowing which facility to pick can be overwhelming, Namazi said. Knowing what questions to ask and what to look for can help streamline the process.

Such questions might include: Is the facility located near your home? Has it been cited for any violations? If so, how often? Does the facility offer special care for patients who have physical disabilities or suffer from Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia? Does the facility encourage impromptu family visits and offer lengthy visiting hours and a variety of recreational activities? What is the ratio of staff members to residents during the afternoon and overnight? For optimal supervision, there should be one staff member for every five to six residents.

Once consumers have done as much preliminary research as possible, they should visit each prospective facility.

If the facility has an odor
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Contact: Ione Echeverria
Ione.Echeverria@UTSouthwestern.edu
214-648-3404
UT Southwestern Medical Center
25-Apr-2002