Making the decision to place a loved one in an aged care facility is never easy, but it’s sometimes necessary. Often the truth is they can’t live in their own house, or that their family is unable to care for them. It’s a tough process that the elderly person and their loved ones must work through together in order for it to be successful.
In the end, you want what’s best for your loved ones, which is receiving optimal care in the best home. My Home Care can assist you with your home aged care needs and enquiries. Though location and cost are frequently discussed, there are a handful of other questions you should be asking during elderly home tours to make sure you learn as much as possible before deciding.
1. Are The Fees All-Inclusive? And What Exactly Are The ‘Extras’?
The cost of elderly care is something that many people are concerned about. It can be perplexing, so take your time to learn what you’re required to pay and what’s included.
The weekly or monthly charge is usually not all you’ll be expected to pay. Some homes may be fairly priced, but all of the important services may be added as ‘extras’ requiring additional fees.
2. How Good Is The Food At The Facility?
Food is a major part of an individual’s life regardless of age, so it’s critical that there’s high-quality, nutritious food given to your elderly loved one. Ask the staff if you can sample one of their meals when you come to visit.
If you know your senior relative has eating problems, such as dental issues or difficulty swallowing, find out if the home will be able to help them.
3. What Activities Can Residents Do?
While food and health care are important for everyday living in an aged care facility, you should also consider the recreational activities available. After all, your loved one will have a lot of free time on their hands when they aren’t eating or sleeping.
While a lot of people enjoy watching television, others prefer to go outside or do handicrafts. The facility must take into account what activities their residents are interested in to help ensure their well-being.
4. Is A Registered Nurse Or General Practitioner Always Available?
Your loved one should be able to receive proper medical care in the facility. Inquire whether a health care professional is accessible to residents in the event that they require one. Inquire as to who’s in charge of distributing medication: a registered nurse or a caregiver? Emergencies can occur at any time, so you must ensure that the facility is ready for the worst.
5. Who Are The Owners And Members Of Senior Management?
The employees are the facility’s spine, so it’s a must for you to find out who the senior staff and owners. These are the people you should contact if you have any concerns, complaints, or feedback. Ask if you can meet and talk to them personally.
6. How Frequently Can Family And Friends Come To Visit?
As one of the resident’s relatives, you’ll undoubtedly want to visit and check on them from time to time. Find out how you can go about it. Is it possible for you to drop by every day? Or do they have visiting hours on certain days?
If your loved one has a pet that they can’t care for, find out if you’re permitted to bring them along on visits. The resident may miss their beloved pet, and there are advantages to having their four-legged friend visit them.
7. Resident Assistance Equipment
A good aged care facility will also have facilities such as electric beds, lifters, and sensor mats to support aging and manual handling and ensure that both the client and the staff stay safe. We all know that when the staff is happy, the residents are happy. A quick look at the Australian aged care industry will show you that many aged care facilities are improving in those respects.
To check if the aged care facility of your choice provides the necessary equipment and facilities, you should ask the following:
- Apart from lowering the bed, what measures do they take to in order for residents to avoid injury from a fall?
- Do they have sensor mats beside the chair and the bed to alert the staff when your loved one is awake?
- How frequently do they make rounds of the facility during the night?
- Is the staff adequately trained to use the equipment, and is a no-lift policy encouraged and implemented in the facility?
Conclusion
Choosing the right aged care facility for your loved one is among the most important decisions you’ll make for their health and well-being, so you’ll have to be as careful as possible in doing so. By asking the right questions, you won’t have to worry about whether your loved one’s in safe hands or not.