Most people want to live in their own homes as long as they can. Sadly, due to declining health or safety concerns at some point that often becomes impossible. At that point, a nursing home must be chosen.
This is a difficult decision, especially if you have no experience when it comes to nursing homes. You need to have an idea of what to think about when selecting a nursing home.
This article will give you some things to consider when choosing a nursing home. If you are choosing on behalf of a loved one be sure to involve them in the process so that they feel that they still have some control. Perhaps read through this with them. Decide what is most important to you and don’t go in blind.
Although you can always change nursing homes, this can be very unsettling. Furthermore, the best care is given by those who have gotten to know the resident. Therefore, choosing somewhere good initially can make all the difference.
Good Nursing Home Staff
You will want to ensure that residents are respected, no matter their mental or physical needs. The staff should be caring and supportive and respect their resident’s privacy. Signs to look out for might be:
- They call residents by their preferred name, and not a nickname.
- They knock before they enter a room.
- They get down to their level when they talk to them.
- They ask a lot of questions and give the residents control.
- High retention of staff, you could ask how long staff have been at the home. A good home will retain its staff.
- The appropriate amount of staff – homes are often understaffed, you may be able to tell from your visit if staff appear stressed or overworked, which can lead to abuse.
- They ask you a lot of questions regarding the health, routine and needs of the potential resident and seem committed to providing personalized care.
Activities are Important in a Nursing Home
Activities are essential for elderly people. Keeping our minds active keeps them healthy. When elderly people learn new things, it has the power to create new synapses in their brains and can slow down degenerative diseases such as dementia. It also alleviates boredom and isolation. Here are some things to look for:
- There should be a wide range of activities including creative, physical and educational.
- Outside events.
- Events where the family is invited and involved.
- Attend one of the events and see how many residents attend.
- Interaction with the community is encouraged or outside people are brought in to offer new activities.
Good food
Well balanced and healthy meals that are served in a social setting are ideal, as well as a willingness to meet any dietary needs. Staff should monitor nutritional intake.
Comfortable Surroundings
The facility should feel homey. Residents should be allowed to bring things from home including their furniture to make them feel at home. Everywhere should feel clean and free from any obstacles that could cause injury. Residents themselves should also be well-groomed including hair and nails.
There should also be an opportunity to sit outside and a well-kept garden.
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