When it’s time to pick a nursing home for a loved one making a confident decision gives you peace of mind. Although you may be eager to care for your parent or good friend doing the right thing often involves seeking professional help. Think of your loved one’s well-being. Skilled, experienced professionals can best meet the needs of elderly individuals who require extra TLC and patient handling.
Use these tips for choosing the right nursing home for your loved one.
Take a Field Trip
Visit nursing homes in person. Get a feel for good matches and non matches. A 5 minute stroll through the community meeting space gives you a glimpse into resident life. Don’t rush through your in person observation. Note the tiny details. The smallest details illustrate if a facility staff truly cares about their residents. Do you see frequent interaction between residents? Are there ample activities for individuals to engage in? Remember that nursing homes are for resting and playing. Just because senior citizens are residents doesn’t mean these folks shouldn’t be having fun and playing.
Think of appealing games and activities for the senior circuit. Does a facility advertise these events and encourage residents to be active in these social gatherings? If you observe a thriving, high energy, tight-knit community keep this nursing home on your watch list of potential matches.
Talk to Residents
Clever marketing doesn’t trump the experiences of current residents. Ask someone living at the facility how things are on a normal day. Sit down for lunch in the cafeteria. How does the food taste? Are there a variety of menu options for residents who aren’t on a restricted diet? Make sure the food is both nutritious and tasty.
Speak to a current resident to get a pulse on daily happenings at the facility. Individuals can clue you in to how life really is at the nursing home. You can likely feel either the positive vibe or negative, low energy vibe radiating from the person when you’re chatting with them. If their answers are to your liking you may have found a fitting match.
Don’t Be Too Tough
Demand the best for your loved one but be realistic too. Many residents likely suffer from health problems so even if staff clean rooms and hallways in a timely fashion you may experience a few unpleasant odors on touring the facility. Be realistic in your assessment of a nursing home. If you see a caring, patient and supportive staff and a thriving community of senior citizens with a range of activities to choose from don’t let a little funky smell here and there deter you from choosing a nursing home.
Be fair and honest in your review. Take the time to weigh pros and cons. Keep your loved one in mind; what would this individual prefer if they were in your shoes? Focus on their special needs to find the best fit for you and your family, including your loved one. Choose a nursing home provider which offers your loved one a peaceful, loving experience as they enjoy their golden years.-