The decision to move a loved one to a nursing home isn’t an easy one. However, when your loved one requires special care round the clock, it can be the best decision you can make for them and everyone concerned. However, you need to ensure that you choose the right nursing home to ensure their safety.
There are many good nursing homes that can provide a great environment and excellent care for your loved one. But not all nursing homes treat their patients with the respect and love that they deserve. You need to know how to separate the good from the bad.
Following are some factors you ought to consider when making your choice:
- The staff: The decision to have strangers care for your loved one isn’t an easy one to make. It helps to know that you can trust the nursing home staff to provide proper care. You should therefore ensure that you choose a nursing home with highly qualified and experienced staff.
Pay attention to the staff when you visit. Do they seem overworked or stressed? How do they interact with the residents? Do they show empathy or sensitivity? Are there residents that have been left unattended? Do the residents look clean and well-cared-for?
- The environment: Is the nursing home clean? Are the bed linens clean? Do they provide entertainment for the residents? Consider the environment that the nursing home provides. A good nursing home should provide a professional, clean, comfortable and peaceful environment for its residents.
- Food: Good nutrition is especially important for maintaining good health in your sunset years. It is important to ensure that your loved one will get the nutrition they need. Check their dining options. Inquire with the kitchen about special dietary needs as well as how what snacks and meals they offer.
You should also consider their dining conditions. How are meals served? Are meals a social occasion? How does the staff interact with residents at meal time? What are the conditions of the kitchen? Are the floors and surfaces clean? Are there rodents or other causes for concern?
- Access to medical care: Good medical care is also important for good health. Ask how often doctors come to see the residents. Are there on-site medical facilities? Are there trained medical personnel on the nursing home team? What happens in case of an emergency? Is there an ambulance on site?
Be sure that the nursing home is the best environment for your loved one before you sign anything. Taking these precautions will give you peace of mind and may make the difference for the health and happiness of your loved one.