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How to avoid the 'ick' factor when choosing a nursing home or assisted living facility
National

How to avoid the 'ick' factor when choosing a nursing home or assisted living facility

  • By MATT SEDENSKY AP National Writer

The need to move a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility often comes suddenly — after a fall, a medical crisis or the loss of a caregiver. Experts say knowing what to look for can make a critical difference. Federal data and star ratings can help rule out the worst nursing homes, but they shouldn't be the only guide. Experts on long-term care say staffing levels are the most important factor. They say visiting facilities at night or on weekends is key to getting a complete picture. They recommend looking beyond a nice lobby to see if there are odors, call bells ringing nonstop or employees speaking disrepecfully to residents.

Nursing home

Nursing home

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Senior woman sitting on the wheelchair alone.

Opinion

The frailing of San Mateo County

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Some astounding statistics are emerging as San Mateo County plans for its aging population. From 2010 onward, the number of older adults will …