Deciding to place a loved one in nursing home care is among the hardest decisions you will ever make. While it may be in the best interests of your family member, it is still a difficult process. However, you can be consoled by the fact that your relative will receive the care they desperately need.
That is why choosing the right nursing home is so important. Most facilities are run with residents in mind, meaning staff is attentive and kind. There are some that provide unsatisfactory care, to the point where residents might even experience harm. U.S. News & World Report urges you to consider the following factors, so you can select a nursing facility with confidence.
The condition of the facility
While it may not be possible to tour facilities personally, nursing homes should at least provide virtual visits, so you can get a feel for the condition of the place. Resident rooms should be neat and tidy. Communal areas, such as rec room or cafeterias, should be clean and sanitary. Worn flooring, stained walls, and untidiness all signal carelessness when it comes to meeting the needs of residents. While these issues decrease the quality of life of those living in the facility, they also pose significant health and safety issues.
The quality of the staff
Staff must be kind and compassionate when providing care. Caring for seniors is a difficult job, especially when they have advanced medical needs. Accordingly, staff must be up for the task to ensure seniors are well cared for. Nursing homes with a high staff turnover rate typically indicate that something is missing at the facility. It also shows that managers and supervisors are not vetting workers rigorously to make certain they are capable of carrying out their duties.
The availability of activities
Nursing home staff must assist residents with grooming, personal care, meal prep, and medication administration to ensure optimum health and wellness. Ensuring residents are also mentally healthy and happy requires a wide selection of activities. Activities should cater to individuals as well as groups for that much-needed social interaction. They must also cover a broad range of interests, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, movies, and others. When residents become bored, they are less likely to feel at home in their surroundings. They may also develop mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to the lack of stimulation.
