The golden years should be just that – golden!
Growing old isn’t always easy and many people become more dependent as they age. Perhaps there is an illnesses involved that limits mobility or a neurological condition arises. Regardless, sometimes a care and nursing home becomes necessary.
Unfortunately, this is often tinged with anxiety and uneasiness as it represents a loss of independence. Your loved one may feel they no longer have the freedoms they once had, which is a scary situation for many people. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Today there are fantastic facilities that cater to the elderly and allow their quality of life to increase.
So what are some things that you should be looking for, then? Whether you’re searching for yourself, your partner or your parent, there are a few key traits that indicate an option is worth exploring.
Three Things to Keep in Mind
The first thing you should make sure to research is the location of the nursing home. If it is located in an area that is easily accessible, there is a higher probability of family being able to visit. Staying close to where your loved one has put down roots often provides a sense of security as well.
However, a change of scenery can also do some people wonders. If your loved one has lived in a city all their life, this could be the perfect opportunity for them to experience nature – perhaps for the first time. Many care and nursing homes are located in a more rural area, and some even offer nature therapy and other outdoor activities.
Secondly, you should make sure that the staff are competent and well-trained and that the facility offers all the types of treatments your loved one needs. Today most employees that work in care and nursing homes are well-equipped to handle anything from emergencies to rehabilitation exercises, but it never hurts to check. This is particularly important if your loved one suffers from dementia, as this requires a very specific type of care. The same is relevant if they have an injury that requires special care.
Thirdly, the overall structure and atmosphere of the facility important. What kind of values does the home adhere to and how much time is spent making sure that the residents are taken care of physically, psychologically and emotionally?
There are many other important aspects that need to be taken into consideration, of course, but the ones mentioned above are a good place to start.
You Are What You Eat
Another important aspect is food. It is tremendously important to be aware of the care facility’s nutrition philosophy, as it can make all the difference in the world if the food being served is nutritious and tasty. Avoid places that don’t put an emphasis on healthy and delicious foods and choose ones that recognise the importance of good cuisine and the physical and emotional effect it can have on residents.
Choose Wisely
Tremendous care should go into the process of choosing the right nursing home. Consider visiting the facilities in question and asking the staff any questions that you might have. These are your loved one’s golden years and they should be spent in a place where the staff are friendly, each resident is getting the emotional, psychological and physical care they need and, most importantly, they feel secure and happy. By devoting some effort into researching, you are likely to find many places that are true gems.