Are you looking for nursing care homes? With the amount of options out there for senior homes, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you should be looking for. Of course you want someone that is going to care for your loved one and take care of them, but how can you know that one particular skilled nursing facility does it better than another? Most assisted living centers will allow you to have a walk through before you decide whether or not you want to place your loved one with them. When you do those, here are a few things that you can keep an eye out for.
Cleanliness
Look at hard to reach places and see how well they’re cleaned. It’s easy to give the place a once over before someone new comes to look around but if they only clean when new people are coming, they probably won’t have gotten the corners and the lower shelves and under couches, etc. Cleaning these places is very important because many elderly people have allergies and sicknesses that will be aggravated by the dust that can collect. When you go through the kitchen, pay particular attention to the condition of the appliances and the dishes.
Atmosphere
You can tell by walking into a place if the atmosphere is joyful and light or if it is depressing and heavy. The lighting and the music make a huge difference. You don’t want nursing care homes that look like warehouses or hospitals. This is somewhere where your loved one is going to spend the rest of their days and you want it to be a loving, kind and happy experience. Take your loved one’s opinion into account if their mental condition allows it. If they really don’t like the atmosphere or feel of a certain place, then consider that when making your final decision.
Residents
Are the residents happy? Are they interacting with one another? Do they seem constantly drugged up or are some of them lucid and enjoying their time there? The residents will make a huge difference to the atmosphere of the place. It’s important that the residents are encouraged to socialize and meet one another. It’s helpful for them to know people that are in the same boat as them. While they will love your visits and company, being able to compare notes with someone who is of the same age and lifestyle is so great for the mental capacity.
Smell
There’s a certain smell about nursing homes that is not pleasant. It might be what they clean with, it might be the medications or something else entirely but whatever it is, it’s not nice. Make sure that the home you choose is not using that particular material or item that makes the place smell like that. There’s no reason for a home to smell like a home. They can use organic, earthy fragrances to make sure that the place smells inviting and promising and full of home.
Staff
This is probably the most important factor. Don’t just pay attention to the staff member that is showing you around. Of course they are going to be nice to you and make sure that you see the best side of the facility. Pay attention to the staff members that are interacting with the residents. See if they are friendly and kind and understanding. You don’t want someone who is condescending or rude taking care of your loved ones.
If all of these things are in place then out of all of the nursing care homes, this may be the one that you should go for. Most retirement homes will also offer a schedule for eating and will want to know what kinds of nutrition factors your loved one needs. This is a good sign that they are going to properly care for your family member or friend. Once all of this is in place then simply think about the little things that you want and ask the staff member that is showing you around about them. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the nursing care homes are quite accommodating to the different needs and preferences of their residents.