What should I look for in a nursing home?

There are many factors to consider when looking for a nursing home. Based on my experience, here are some of the most important things to consider:

Location

Location is a very important factor when considering a nursing home. It should be decided in advance how far you would be willing to drive back and forth to visit loved ones. For example, if 40 miles is too far to drive on a regular basis, then maybe you should limit your search to nursing homes nearby. If distance is not a factor, this may open up more options when deciding on a facility.

Environment

The environment is another factor to think about when choosing a facility. Studies have shown that hospital-like nursing homes can lead to increased depression in residents. For example, grayish colored walls and limited decorations may make it difficult for new residents to adjust because the environment is distinctly different from their previous living situation. Simple decorations can really add a lot to an environment. If you choose a hospital-like environment it is recommended to surround the new resident with their belongings (i.e. pictures or other objects of importance). This could significantly improve adjustment to the nursing home setting.

People

The people at nursing homes can make a monumental impact to the residents’ quality of life. Staff members who are willing to put in a individualized effort to assist residents make a difference from those who consider their position “just another job”. Passionate staff members will not only take care of your loved one, but also may be more enthusiastic in providing their services. Because they provide such excellent services, these people are considered indispensable.

Activities

Activities make up a large portion of the day at nursing homes. For this reason, it is important that you or your loved one chooses a facility that has activities of interest. While the majority of nursing homes have the basic types of activities (i.e. bingo), many also have a variety of other types of activities available. When visiting a nursing home, ask for a calendar of events to find out what activities will be offered on what days. Even though a facility may not list activities of interest, one should always ask because sometimes needs can be accommodated.

Food Service

From my experience, food tops the list of complaints by residents at nursing homes. Mostly, this is because food comes at least three times a day. Since residents look forward to meals, it can be disappointing when it doesn’t turn out the way they had imagined. But honestly, no matter how good the cooks are, it isn’t quite the same as a home-cooked meal. When you are cooking for a hundred or more people, not everyone is going to like it the same way. While one may love it, the other person may find the food too bland.

Some facilities, especially assisted living facilities, offer potential residents an opportunity to sample the food beforehand. This is a good way to see if your loved one likes the food, and if substitutes are available when they don’t like what is offered. While some facilities may give limited options, others may be willing to work with specific preferences (such as cultural foods not ordinarily on the menu).

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