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What to know when placing a loved one in nursing home

Posted at 1:17 PM, Aug 31, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-31 18:55:07-04

Deciding where a loved one should live is a daunting task. It's one that needs to be made with careful consideration.

Experts say there are five things you should do and look for when making this decision.

The first is visiting the Federal Website,Medicare.gov. Here, you will find information on past inspections, violations, staffing challenges,  and other important information.

Experts also say it's a good idea to visit the nursing home facility. Take a tour. Do the residents look clean? Do they look healthy? Are they eating? What is the food like?

Visit the facility after hours. Experts say if you do this, you may be alerted to some staffing changes, or complications that you wouldn't have during the day. This is a good way to see how things are done after the afternoon rush.

Make sure when you're choosing a nursing home, it is close to your home. That way, you will have quicker access to your family member, and will be able to visit often.

The last thing is a phone number to New York Connects. It's 716-858-8526. 

Watch the above video, as Hannah Buehler shows you how to navigate Medicare.gov.