Mediate Michigan

It’s an emotionally wrenching decision: having to put a parent, spouse or loved one in a nursing home.

“The biggest thing for a lot of people is the feeling of guilt,” said Ann Henry, chief operating officer for the Pennsylvania Health Care Association. “You want to be able to take your loved one and care for them and oftentimes you just can’t.”

Because it’s such an important decision, making sure you find the right facility can seem like a daunting task. To aid you in your decision, we talked with Henry and experts from the state Department of Health and the state Department of Public Welfare.

GENERAL TIPS

Determine what type of care is needed. Contact your local agency on aging and have them help assess how much care should be provided. Personal care and assisted living facilities, for example, are designed for individuals who can do certain things on their own — bathing, dressing, etc., while nursing homes are for those who require assistance in virtually all aspects of day-to-day living, though they also tend to provide rehabilitation services.

via How to choose the best elder care for your loved one | PennLive.com.