Choosing a Special Care Home, Memory Care or Nursing Home

Are you or a loved one considering moving to a Special Care Home, Memory Care or Nursing Home? There are things you can do to choose the best one.

Selecting the best home is a big decision that can feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to feel comfortable and confident in your choice is by doing some research before making your decision. There are many questions you can ask and lots of information you can access to help choose the home that is right for you or your loved one.

There are a few types of homes for people with different needs that provide 24-hour supervision:

Special Care Homes: Facilities for people who need help or supervision with daily living activities. To learn more about Special Care Homes, click here.

Click here for a complete list of Special Care Homes in New Brunswick.

Memory Care Homes: Facilities that provide supervision and help with daily living activities to seniors with a dementia diagnosis. To learn more about Memory Care homes, click here.

For a complete list of Memory Care Homes in the province, click here.

Nursing Homes: Facilities that provide help with daily living activities to seniors who need continuous onsite access to nursing assessment and care. To learn more about Nursing homes, click here.

For a complete list, click here, or visit the New Brunswick Nursing Home Association website.

The New Brunswick Special Care Home Association has a searchable online directory of homes in the province that you can search by region, number of beds, facility type, level of care, vacancy and home name. Click here to access it. 

How to Start the Process

Once Social Development has assessed you or your loved one, a social worker will provide you with a list of facilities in your area.

Start by looking at the list of homes, and make a shortlist of those that seem like they might be a good fit for you or your loved one. Points to consider when choosing a facility:

• Location
• Closeness to family and friends so they can visit
• Meals
• Recreational activities
• Cost

Think about what is important to the person who will be moving there. Maybe it’s location and closeness to family and friends so they can easily visit? Or meals or recreational activities might be a high priority.

Ask Around

Talk to trusted friends or relatives who have had to choose a home for themselves or a loved one. Ask about their experience and for any advice they have for selecting a home, as well as any homes they would recommend. You may also ask your healthcare providers which homes they feel would be a good fit for you or your loved one.

Arrange a Visit

This is the best way to get a sense of the facilities on your list and of the people who live and work there. Get in touch with each home to arrange a visit and tour of the facility. Some homes offer regularly scheduled tours, while others will provide a one-on-one tour. Be sure to see the various types of rooms, as well as the common areas. Due to COVID, some homes may offer virtual tours of their facility.

When You Visit

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some good questions to ask include:

• Do you have any rooms available?
• How much does it cost on a monthly basis to live there?
• How many baths/showers do residents receive per week?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• What types of social and recreational programming are available?
• Do you provide transportation to and from medical appointments?  What is the cost?
• Are there any additional fees such as cable, phone, internet, etc.?
• Are bedrooms or bathrooms shared or private?
• What is provided, such as furniture, bed, bedding, towels, etc.?
• What personal belongings can I bring with me, such as furniture, décor, etc.?
• Do you provide a menu? Can I get a copy of it? Do residents have more than one option for meals? Be sure to talk about any food restrictions or allergies.
• Do you offer specialized services, like a special care unit for a resident with dementia or ventilator care?
• Are there resident policies? Can I get a written copy of them?
• Are there extra charges for other services?

During your tour, pay attention to the surroundings and atmosphere, as each home has a unique feel. Look for:

• Do the individuals look well cared for?
• Warm interaction between individuals.
• Attractive and clean dining room and common areas.
• Appetizing looking food (if you’re visiting during mealtime).
• Access to fresh air and the outdoors.

Review Inspection Reports

Social Development is responsible for licensing and inspecting homes, and the annual reports for all Special Care, Nursing and Memory Care Homes in New Brunswick are posted online. View the reports for:

●      Special Care Homes by clicking here.

●      Nursing Homes by clicking here.

●      Memory Care Homes by clicking here.

Note: While these reports can indicate possible areas of concern, it’s best not to base your final decision about a particular facility solely on the inspection. Contact the home to share any concerns or questions before you rule it out.