Selecting a nursing home or an aged care facility can be a tough decision to make. Often, families must provide a hasty decision due to the fact that a loved one can’t take care of themselves or because of other pressing situations. However, if the care management in a care home is on point, this is the tell-tale sign for a great choice.
Suppose you’re in a similar scenario. At the moment, limited information about the facility ratings compels families to conduct their own research regarding nursing homes. It can be arduous, especially when you don’t have enough time. Of course, knowing what to look for will help your research significantly. And, given the correct information, you’ll simplify your options, plus lessen the pressure of the situation.
Here are things to consider when looking for aged care facilities:
Reputation
Do you know of someone working or residing in the facility you’re eyeing? If you know of someone connected with the nursing home, that can be a tremendous help learning about their service and reputation.
Clarify if the aged care facility displays a trustworthy and reliable reputation, or if there are former residents who filed cases of elder abuse. Moreover, if you find a high employee turnover during your research, this scenario can translate to underlying issues.
Size & Location Of Facility
Besides reputation, the facility’s size and location is another factor you should consider when looking for a nursing home. Whether you’re helping a loved one or you’re the one requiring care, the facility’s location must be close to relatives. A nearby facility will allow you to check your loved one regularly.
Suppose the nursing home you’re eyeing is 45 minutes away from you. Then, determine if you can make that trip after a tough day at work. Nevertheless, if the facility is nowhere near your home, see to it there’s another family member nearby who’s willing to visit your loved one if you can’t travel to the nursing home.
Likewise, the size of the facility is an element you should consider when choosing an aged care facility. For instance, assess if your family member is an outgoing or quiet individual. If your loved one is a mellow person, does the nursing home offer tranquil spaces or serene activity areas where residents can stay at any given time? On the one hand, if your family member is an outgoing individual, does the facility offer residents an outdoor place to walk around? Are there lots of residents that will allow socialization?
Available Services
Various nursing homes offer a variety of services. It’s necessary to determine the services the facility you’re eyeing offers so you’ll know if they suit your family member’s needs.
Some nursing homes focus on a particular healthcare condition, while others concentrate on residents’ their standard of life. An excellent example of this factor is how the dining and meal experience impacts facility residents’ total satisfaction. Remember to schedule a visit at the nursing home during their mealtime before arriving at your final decision.
During this trip, do you notice if residents have various food options? When residents have special dietary requirements or request a nutritious meal, does the facility provide them? Do the nursing home attendants assist residents who need help in eating and drinking?
Aside from the dining experience, also take note if your loved one requires special healthcare assistance. If your family member needs physical rehabilitation, then look for a nursing home that offers rehabilitation services. If, for instance, your loved one has dementia, you must select a facility that oversees dementia patients.
Takeaway
Overall, if your loved one who’ll be transferring to an aged care facility can still decide or voice out their choices, then you must recognize their decision. On the other hand, if health deterioration affects their ability to choose, it’s up to you to select on their behalf.
Understand, however, that choosing a nursing home can be a challenging and emotional time. If other family members are involved in forming a decision, the whole family must agree on the choice. Nonetheless, please note that your primary healthcare provider or a professional social worker can assist your family in this delicate situation.