Choosing a nursing home can be a very difficult decision. Many people faced with the prospect of choosing a nursing home for a loved one may never have visited a nursing home before and so don't know what to look for to distinguish a good nursing home from a less good one.
The following pointers are important to consider when looking for a nursing home. Whilst this list of important things to look for is not exhaustive it provides a starting point for looking for a home.
The first things to consider relate to the environment of the nursing home. It is important to remember that this is to be your loved ones home and whilst of course there are practicalities associated with people that need a lot of care, a home should not feel too institutionalized. Many people in nursing homes are much happier if they can have their own rooms, and they can furnish them with their own things from their homes. Generally a much easier transition can be made from home to a nursing home when the resident is surrounded by their own possessions.
Also take into consideration communal areas. Are they clean, pleasant and well lit? Residents prefer to be in rooms where the tables and chairs are arranged into small groups rather than one large circle as this is better for socializing. Like any home it is also likely to feel more welcoming if the areas are bright, well lit and open. Many residents also greatly enjoy having some well kept outdoor space.
It is also important to check the food menus and actually try the food. Remember, this will be all that the resident eats so it needs to be both nutritious and tasty.
The second thing to consider is the staff in the home. Most people will be concerned with staff ratios, but it is also important to consider staff turnover. Generally the longer the staff are there and the less staff turnover there is, the better. This is because staff that have been there longer tend to be more committed to the individual patients and better understand their individual needs. Also, for people with dementia or memory loss having familiar people around can be helpful and reassuring.
As well as looking at the number of staff, take into consideration how they behave towards residents. Not only is it important to consider whether they use correct lifting techniques and follow procedures correctly but also if they treat residents with respect and try to help them as much as possible. Staff should, wherever possible, be trying to arrange life for the residents as they would wish it, rather than to make things easier for themselves.
Take care to ensure that there are plenty of activities on offer in the nursing home, as these can help to keep people mentally alert. Social activities also increase residents happiness dramatically as they increase socializing between residents. Some homes claim to offer activities but due to staff shortages they don't always happen. Ask other residents whether the activities that the home offers actually take place.
Check the homes policies on drugs. Some homes like to keep patients heavily sedated as it means less work for staff. This is usually not in the best interests of the residents.
The most important thing to remember is that for residents to be happy they need to have as much control over their lives as possible. This means that they should be able to treat the nursing home as their home, getting up, eating, and socializing at the times that they want to wherever possible. They should be given every freedom that can be given and the home should be arranged for the benefit of the patients comfort rather than for the benefit of the staff.
The last thing that should be taken into account is that the needs of the resident may change over time. Where possible select a home that will be able to adapt to the changing needs of the resident, otherwise when their needs change they will be forced to change homes again which can be upsetting and unsettling.
Consideration of all of these factors should help to guide you towards choosing the home that is right for your loved one. Please remember where possible to also take the prospective residents views into account.
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