At some point in life, there comes a time where seniors begin to think about how they want to spend their elder years. Some seniors will spend the rest of their lives in the comfort of home, while others will need to turn to a nursing home for the extra level of care that they require. Before choosing a nursing home for the senior in your life, you need to do your research to ensure that they are staying in a high-quality community.
Luckily, you do not have to do it alone. There are many resources available that can lead you in the correct path — whether that be your family, other seniors with positive experiences, or the resources listed below. Choosing the proper nursing home will be one of the biggest decisions a senior can make, so due diligence is key.
Visit the Nursing Home
Due to the expense and the longevity of the typical stay, choosing a nursing home is not a decision that should be taken lightly. While there are many resources available that give helpful information on selecting the correct nursing home, including the Medicare government website, Medicare.gov, the best way to be absolutely sure that you are finding an excellent facility is by visiting the location. Doing so will give everyone involved an idea of the services the center offers, the cleanliness of the facility, and the helpfulness of the staff.
When you visit the nursing home, don’t be afraid to ask questions, keeping the senior’s needs in mind as you do so. If nursing home staff state something that you don’t understand, ask them to clarify. Take some time to learn about the staff and ensure that there will be someone around 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. If the senior has special dietary requirements, ask if they are able to accommodate these needs and make exceptions for seniors with allergies.
Most importantly, ask for a tour of the typical room that the senior would be staying in and spend as much time as you need and verify that the room is safe and well kept. Make sure that the bathrooms are safe with enough grab bars and shower chairs, if that is what you require. In the bedroom, check for bed rails, seat lifts, and a comfortable chair to sit in while reading.
What Services Does the Home Offer?
Over the years, there have been incredible advancements in nursing and healthcare, with an increase in caretakers with advanced degrees and an increased emphasis on the well-being of all people. It is only natural for these improvements to also lead to better services for those staying in nursing homes. So, in addition to having proper nutrition and a safe place to sleep, excellent nursing homes also have doctors and nurses on staff to attend to any medical needs. For those who need additional care, nursing homes should carry out medical evaluations on a regular basis.
You do not want your loved one in a nursing home where residents are forced to stay in their rooms without the chance to interact with others due to a lack of social activities and helpful services. To that end, make sure that this location offers a plethora of activities including arts and crafts, religious services, discussion groups, and entertainment opportunities, such as movie nights.
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is another option for people who like the idea of a retirement home paired with available medical care. It can be a more expensive option, but a senior can stay in a CCRC for the rest of their lives while they move between various levels of care. You can find out if this type of atmosphere may be better for you or the senior in your life by visiting the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission online.
Be Mindful of Elder Abuse
Once you’ve decided on a nursing home, understand that the work does not end there. Check up on your loved one often to make sure that she is being taken care of with all necessary attention and medications. You will also want to keep your eyes open for any signs of elder abuse that may be taking place within the facility.
As sad as it is, elder abuse is still a factor in many nursing homes, with issues ranging from neglect to financial exploitation to physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse. Always be aware of the warning signs of potential wrongdoing. Signs of sexual or physical abuse could be unexplained bruises or cuts. Financial exploitation usually involves a caretaker encouraging a senior to sign some form of financial paperwork, such as a life insurance document, that they don’t fully understand. Neglect can raise many red flags, including unexplained weight loss, untreated infections, or the presence of bedsores, among others.
The fact is that elder abuse can have significant consequences for the victim and their family, so if you notice any signs, you must reach out for help. You can get guidance on what to do next by contacting an attorney, or you can report it to the officials in your state. To do this, search the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration, for help. If the elder is in immediate danger, call 911 and seek immediate assistance.
There are many great nursing home facilities in this nation that are filled with medical professionals who aim to make life easier for seniors. Use the resources at your disposal and find a facility that you will be glad to call home for you or your loved one.