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Getting older is an inevitable part of life, and while there are many things to look forward to in your later years, you might also find that you start needing some additional care to help you live more comfortably. There are many types of senior care available for those who do need this extra support, and if you or a loved one needs this, it’s important to understand what is available to you. Nursing homes are one path you might want to pursue at this time, but there are various factors you need to consider before choosing one. Below is a little more information on what to expect from a nursing home and some tips on how you can select the best one for your healthcare needs.
What is a Nursing Home?
As mentioned above, there are various senior care options to choose from, but they aren’t all the same. A nursing home differs from a retirement community or assisted living as this kind of facility has a focus on those who require specific medical care. Residents at nursing homes will have illnesses and conditions that will need ongoing treatment and monitoring, whereas an assisted living home caters to those who might need help with basic daily tasks and some medication management, but who do need as much intensive assistance with their health. It’s important to know the difference to make sure that you or your loved one is getting the correct care for their needs.
When Should You Consider a Nursing Home?
Deciding to move yourself or an elderly relative into a nursing home can be tough, as it will be a big change to their living environment. It’s understandable why some seniors might be reluctant to move into a nursing home, particularly if they are attached to their current home. They might feel anxious about moving into a facility like this, and some may even be in denial regarding the level of care they need. However, it is important to consider this option if you or your relative has been struggling to care for themselves properly recently and has ongoing health issues that are worsening. Signs that it might be time to move into a home can include the inability to carry out basic household chores, grooming, meal preparation, and if their health is deteriorating and they are unable to manage this properly by themselves.
How to Talk About Moving to a Nursing Home
If you are concerned about an elderly relative and you would like them to consider the option of a nursing home, you’ll need to sit down and have a conversation with them about this if they are able. This might be challenging if they are reluctant to do this, so it’s important to be patient with them when you are discussing it and let them express their concerns. Acknowledge this, but calmly tell them why you think it would be beneficial to them in the long-term and help to give you better peace of mind that they are being looked after by professionals. Make sure that they don’t feel forced to do this, and give them some time to think it over. You might even want to suggest that you visit some nursing homes so that they can get a better idea of what life might be like for them and that it may not be as bad as they think.
What to Look for in a Nursing Home?
When you have decided that a nursing home is the right kind of care that you are looking for, the next step is finding a suitable facility that you are comfortable moving into or moving your relative into. There are a few things to look out for when selecting a nursing home, and some of these key points are listed below.
What do Other Residents Say About It?
When you go to visit a nursing home, they will be trying to promote the facility and persuade you to pick them. This is why it is important to take the time to do some additional research into the homes that you are looking at to see what previous or current residents and their relatives think of the service. These reviews might help to give you a better insight into the level of care and comfort you can expect for yourself or your loved one, allowing you to make a more informed choice.
What Additional Facilities Does the Home Have?
While you want to make sure that you or your relative will receive an excellent standard of healthcare in the nursing home, you should also take into account what other facilities the home has to offer. For example, is there a nice communal dining area with quality food served? Are there any outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy some fresh air or a stroll around the gardens? What are the arranged activities? Is there a gym or access to other exercise facilities? This care home in London is a good example of top-quality that can give you some idea of what is on offer.
How Clean is the Home?
You should also note the nursing home’s cleanliness when you visit, as this will be a good indication of the quality of living and comfort you can expect. If the place feels as though it is neglected, then this should be a red flag, and you should keep looking. Not only is cleanliness important for overall comfort, but also for hygiene and health purposes as well.
The Location
The location of the nursing home is also important, as you want it to be easy to access for relatives to visit regularly. This is also essential in case of an emergency, as a nursing home that is hours away from any relatives can mean difficulty reaching your loved one under these circumstances. You should also take into account the general feel of the local area, looking at things such as crime rates, local amenities, etc.
Choosing a nursing home can feel overwhelming at first, as there is a lot to consider, but if you are beginning to look at different facilities for yourself or a loved one, use these tips as a starting point to help you find the perfect place.
