I traveled to a Roanoke hospital yesterday to take depositions in a case where a man was seriously injured after falling during rehabilitation.
As I walked to my car, I passed a truck with a bumper sticker that said, “Be Nice to Your Kids: They Will Pick Your Nursing Home.” The bumper sticker got to me – because it’s true. Most people do not get to make this choice alone or for themselves. During an emergency, it is typically family who will make this decision and often times it is with little to no information or time to prepare.
So how can families make informed choices about Virginia nursing homes and long-term care for a loved one?
One place to start is our book, A Consumer’s Guide to Long-Term Care in Virginia.
The best thing you can do as a family is educate yourself about Virginia nursing homes and assisted living facilities before you are pressured to make that choice under stress in a hospital setting.
You can order the book online, and it is available in book hardcover and e-reader editions.
If you call our office at (540) 985-0098, we will be glad to send you a free copy to help you start the planning process. Please, do not wait until you are in the emergency room with a loved one to think about these issues.
We have a responsibility – as “kids” – to help our parents with their medical care. It will be our decision, at least partially, so have the conversation sooner rather than later.