Choosing A Nursing Home That Ticks All The Boxes For Your Loved One
Finding the right nursing home can help you or your loved one feel safe and cared for. A good step in choosing a nursing home is to make a list of homes that you might be interested in. Talk to your family, friends, doctors, and others for recommendations for good nursing homes. If you can, it’s good to plan ahead so that you have time to find out as much as you can about the nursing homes that interest you. If you have a quick decision to make, try to visit the nursing homes on your list at least once before deciding. Make sure you understand the costs and payment options for each nursing home.
How can you make sure you are choosing the right nursing home for your loved one?
As you look at the options in front of you or your loved one, pay particular attention to the cost of each nursing home, what each looks like, where it is located, and the levels of nursing care it offers. Does the nursing home provide the necessary help with everyday tasks for the elderly? Is there 24-hour nursing care? Answering these questions can help you make the best possible decision.
- Is the home for the elderly clean and odorless? Are there smoke detectors and sprinklers? Are there handles where you would need them?
- The residents, do they seem clean and comfortable? Are the staff sensitive and friendly to them? How long does it take for the lights of the residents’ calls to be answered?
- Are individual rooms available, or will you have to share your room with another resident? Can you bring your own furniture? Will you have your own bathroom or are they shared?
- Do residents with special needs, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, live in separate areas?
- Does the nursing home have a social activities director who plans events for residents? Are religious services held? Do they have events?
I’m concerned about the problems in nursing homes.
In the news, we often come across disturbing information relating to abuse or problems within nursing homes. These are very few and far between, thankfully but it may raise suspicion or a certain amount of worry. If someone on the team has been involved with theft and your loved one’s possessions have gone missing, you should be informed as to who may be responsible for this. Be sure of what the damages may include. Therefore, the more information gathered and the knowledge of your rights, can assist you in making the appropriate decision for your loved one.
The evaluation of the home is ultimately in your hands. However, it is good to be sure that you are aware of the medical care available also and if hidden costs may incur because of this. Finally, evaluating whether the size of the facilities and the number of staff is sufficient to serve the number of residents allowed is decisive. Your loved one deserves the best, so be sure to allow them to have it.