While it is a difficult decision, nursing home care is best for older adults with advanced health problems or cognitive issues. A good nursing home ensures your loved one is safe and secure, while also removing the burden from family.
Choosing the right facility is crucial to the quality of care a person receives. While many homes have the best interests of their residents in mind, others may neglect or even abuse the people in their care. U.S. News & World Report offers the following advice on what to look for when in search of a nursing facility.
The condition of the nursing home
Proper care and upkeep is not only important for the patients, it should also be exhibited by the facility. While wear and tear is normal, it should be sufficiently addressed to preserve the safety of residents. For instance, frayed carpeting can lead to trips and falls, which are often serious for the elderly. Stained upholstery and bedding indicates that a facility is not cleaned properly. Accordingly, your loved one may fall ill due to lack of sanitation.
Staff interaction with patients
Staff not only sees to your loved one’s medical needs, they also provide emotional and moral support. After all, your family member will interact with staff on a daily basis, so it is important they create a warm and welcoming environment. When staff are gruff or dismissive, it affects patients emotionally. If ill-treatment persists, patients may even develop symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Available activities
For a person to remain healthy, they must be mentally engaged. That is why so many facilities offer activities to residents, which ensures they are adequately socialized as well. Activities should vary so all residents can find something they find engaging. There should also be suitable, safe activities for people who are bed or wheelchair bound. Card games, crafts, books clubs, and movie nights should all be readily available.