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My mother has made the decision to go into a nursing home. I am looking for guidance on this subject where do you start? Is there a website or book to read?

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You start with the yellow pages. You tour, you talk to staff, residents and the managers. The elderly gossip among themselves and pass rumors along with facts. You talk to her MD. You talk to your county office for the aging.
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You can call: Alternatives for Seniors - 888-533-4636. They can send you a booklet for your area listing all manner of assistance & housing. A great resource.
Your local Area Agency on Aging is also valuable.
As pamstegman said - tour & talk.
Be aware that there may be financial assistance and spend down for Medicaid. There is much to learn and you may want to get the advice of an elder law attorney.
The federal Gov. also rates Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. I believe it is in the Medicare.gov area website?
The find housing & care on this page may also be helpful (blue box).
Be aware that Nursing Homes can be good or very, very bad. Looks can be deceiving so don't go on visuals alone. Google Ratings for these facilities and note complaints/violations before you commit to any one.
DO NOT SIGN anything for her if you can help it. You may be held liable financially yourself.
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Talk to other people who have been in that situation. I'm sure if you root around, you'll get info. I'm different areas of this site you might find help. Good luck
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Your profile stated that you are located in New Jersey, you can find long-term care information for New Jersey at the NJ Department of Health, Health Care Association of New Jersey and New Jersey Health Link.
It contains links and information which can help you find LTC facilities, and even programs that supports the state's long-term care
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I simply looked up "Assisted Living Facilities" in my area, input my phone #, and within minutes the phone was ringing with people wanting me to tour their facilities. I didn't want to do that, I wanted base pricing at this point. But EVERY one of these places wanted me to do an in-facility visit and to talk to residents and even drs who had endorsed their facilities. My sibs didn't back me at all in this idea (moving mom to 24/7 care) so in our case it's a moot point, we're not doing it. But my point is, the good ones are more than happy to contact you once they are aware you are looking. Probably the not-so-good ones, too, but around my home, there are only fairly upscale expensive places.
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All good advice. Tour, visit, and make an appt with director to discuss services, support, care, emergency services, etc, fees, etc. understand and compare between facilities. Visit at different times of day, sit around and observe, attend an activity to see how residents are cared for or managed. Talk to other caregivers who have a loved one here and their experience.

There are videos on you tube, and PBS Frontline, etc that have examined elderly care and can give you some good insights.

Narrow down to 2-3 and then take mom for a visit and stay for lunch. Get her input as well if possible.
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I would talk to family and friends . . . people at church; at work. Personal recommendations are the best of the best.

I decided to actually switch nursing homes for mom's rehab because of a recommendation. Mom was Medicare paid. A friend's aunt was in this nursing home under Medicaid. She's 101 years old. Never was a private pay. She said they treat her like a little queen. That was enough for me. Mom was very well taken care of there for the 2-1/2 months she stayed. I was glad for my decision.
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