There are many factors to consider when choosing a skilled nursing facility, nursing home, or sub-acute rehab center in New London county. This “Guide to New London Nursing Homes” is intended to assist you in making informed, confident decisions about sub-acute rehabiliation and nursing home care. You may be planning for rehabiliation after a knee or hip replacement, or simply familiarizing yourself with the caregiving options availible in the area. It’s important to explore your options, consider your specific needs, and begin thinking about a financial plan as early as possible to avoid feeling rushed or pressured into making a decision you aren’t sure of. In some cases, home or community-based services may be an option, anf consideration should also be given to assitesd living and home care, depending on your individual needs and personal resources. Before you choose a nursing home or rehabiliation facility, you should check to see if these other options are availible, and if you may be able to use them following a stay in a nursing home.

The first step in choosing a  New London nursing home or sub-acute rehabiliation facility is reseach. Here are several ways you can get information about facilities in your area:

• Ask your friends, family, neigbors, or someone from your place of worship if they have had or know anyone who has had a personal experience with a nursing home or rehabiliation facility. Chances are good that you already know someone with first-hand knowledge about facilities in your area, and you may be able to get a recomendation from someone whom you know and trust.
• Find out if your doctor provides care at any nursing homes in the area. If he or she does, you may be able to arrange to continue to see your personal doctor while you are in the nursing home. If your doctor does not provide care at any nursing homes, they may be able to refer you to a colleague who does. Once again, recomendations from people you already know and trust can make the process of choosing a nursing home or sub-acute rehabiliation facility much easier.
• If you have internet access, you can use the Eldercare Locator or call 800-677-1116 to hear more inforation on the long-term care options near you. In addition, your local Senior Center may be able to provide you with more information regarding the caregiving choices availible to you.
• If you are currently in a hospital, you should inquire about discharge planning as early as possible. You can ask your nurse or another member of the hospital’s staff to assist you in finding a nursing home or rehabiliation facility that can meet your personal needs and arrange a tranfer for you before you are discharged.

Before visiting any nursing homes, think about what’s important to you and consider these questions:

• Are there recreational, cultural, social or religious activities that are important to you? Will you be able to decide if and when you are able to participate in them?
• Will you be allowed to choose when you wake up, go to sleep, eat and bathe?
• Will you be able to eat the foods that you like at any time, or are meals tightly scheduled?
• What days and times will you be able to have visitors?
• Will the facility provide a shuttle to activities in the community?
• If you have a pet, will you be allowed to bring it, or have your pet visit you?
• Will you be able to decorate or furnish your living space with your personal belongings?
• When you have visitors, will you be able to have some privacy?
• Will you be able to leave the nursing home for short periods of time if you desire?

Things you should know when you visit a nursing home:

• Prior to your visit, set up an appointment with a member of the staff. You should also be able to visit the nursing home without an appointment if you wish. If a facility has a policy against drop-in visitors, it may a factor to consider when making your choice.
• Don’t hesitate to ask the staff questions, don’t be afraid to ask them to explain anything you don’t immediately understand.
• Find out who you can contact if you have additional questions, and take down their name and phone number.
• If a resident or resident’s family is receptive, you may be able to ask them about the quality of care they are recieving, and the experiences they have had at the facility.
• Following your visit, be sure to write down any questions or concerns you may have about the nursing home, the staff, the residents or how the facility will be able to meet your individual needs