The decision to choose a certain nursing home either for self or for a loved one can feel like an overwhelming task. One way to approach the situation is to view it as any other time that a household is moved. In looking at new communities and living situations, it is highly important to evaluate both the quality of the environment and the benefits that the new circumstances can provide.
Before embarking on the process, it can be helpful to compile a list of positive features that are sought in this new situation. This can include both personal and practical considerations, as these will all contribute to the overall quality of life. Along with using this list as a form of guidance, it is also important to extensively research and tour facilities, in order to evaluate whether it will be a best fit.
In taking the time to visit and get a feel for different nursing homes, there are also outside factors that should be included. These aspect can provide people with a better sense of the quality of care, but can also indicate how positive the operational principles of the facility really are.
The Importance of Verbal Communication
One of the biggest indicators for quality in a nursing home is the level of verbal communication which is present, between staff members and peers, but also with the residents themselves. This can become highly evident on just a walk-through of the facility, and observing how the care team interacts is a necessary factor to consider.
This also includes how forthcoming personnel are about the amenities and the manner of operation. Clarity should always be at the forefront, and transparency is also necessary factor. Loved ones will want to be sure that residents are not only treated well, but also that any treatment protocols are communicated concisely, and that necessary follow up is also provided. This can also be an important component for enhancing quality of life, since residents and their nurses do form bonds which can enrich both parties.
Phone Services and Accommodations
How well a facility handles calls is another hallmark of the quality of the nursing home. This includes the ability to contact administrative, care, and medical staff, but also the ability to reach residents on the phone with ease. Although these are slightly different variations of phone services, they are still equally important, since this factor also speaks to the openness and transparency of the facility.
Nursing homes which have designated phone duties also give loved ones the peace of mind that their loved one is being properly attended. This can allow for family members to check in on how the resident is doing, but also sets up a line of communication in case an emergency arises. Prompt, polite, and professional phone service also indicates the manner in which the personnel interact with residents, and this can show the value of the facility.
Although the use of mobiles is prevalent, it should also be important for nursing homes to provide landlines for the residents. This allows for greater freedom in conversing with family members, but also ensures that the residents have the capability to stay connected, in case of an incident or otherwise.
Posted Signs Improve Efficiency
Different nursing homes may also have a variety of guidelines for residents, in order to ensure safety and comfort. When touring a facility, it is a wise idea to look at the posted signs that are present in the area, as this also indicates the level of professionalism and quality that is afforded. This further addresses how well communication in the facility is handled, and how aware residents are made of everything from rules to events.
The content of the posted signs is also important to evaluate, since facilities that are purely utilitarian may not afford the best quality of life overall, regardless of the competency of medical care. Signage that includes announcements for activities and excursions also indicates a higher level of involvement between the staff and the residents. This can greatly impact moods and the perception of living in a nursing home.
Healthy Foods and Beverages Aid Wellness
The nutritional considerations of the facility can also be the hallmark of a stellar nursing home, as this can indicate a greater attention to wellness, with health as a dimension of this balanced state. It is appropriate to tour the cafeteria and to peruse the usual menus for residents. This can further indicate how committed the facility is to the wellbeing of the residents and can also be seen as a preventive measure in reducing risks for future health concerns.
Along with the actual provision of foods and beverages which have a strong nutritional value, it can be important to talk to the facility dieticians. Many nursing homes will also provide residents with education about healthy eating and wellness lifestyles, and this can further show the excellence of service. In this manner, the nursing home not only incorporates access to healthy foods and beverages, but also utilizes behavioral interactions to generate a better foundation for wellness.
Engaging Activities Can Increase Lifespan
Although the medical care aspect of a nursing home should always be a part of the evaluation, the greater focus on wellness is what can make the difference in finding a best fit for residents. Wellness includes the ability to experience new and inspiring things, and retirement homes that generate these activities for residents should be commended.
- Game nights
- Exercise programs
- Social gatherings
- Excursions
- Art classes
All of these types of activities can aid residents in feeling accepted and a part of the community, but they can also increase energy levels and motivation.
The Freedom of Visiting Time
Although some residents in nursing homes may require considerable rest and recuperation at times, it is also important that there is a degree of flexibility and freedom for visiting hours. This can ensure that loved ones are able to check in with residents as needed, but also facilitates family interactions which can improve quality of life. Making sure that visiting hours can accommodate these needs can be another factor that indicates the excellence of a nursing home.
Getting Around
One final point that should also be considered in evaluating nursing home amenities is the availability of transportation. Although some facilities will organize planned trips with residents, it can be important for individuals to know that they can also receive personal aid. Nursing homes that provide transportation for individual residents can also be marked as excellent, as this also shows the extent of commitment to the well-being of the residents.