It is not easy in deciding to send your elderly loved one to an aged care facility. The process itself does not only involve you and your parents, but also other family members. No matter where you are in the process, it will be in everyone’s best interest to have a checklist as a valuable basis to make a good call on the nursing homes placement. Some care facilities have great reputations, but others may have serious shortcomings. One may provide many treatments beyond your needs, whereas another will not. It is not easy to keep all this information in your head, therefore a nursing home checklist can be a conceptual framework that you use to review all the options available and make sure that you pick the best choice for your loved one. This article will include key points that should be on your checklist when you look for nursing homes.
1. Are the beds, dining areas, and common spaces clean?
It is important to make sure of the cleanliness of the property. If the facility is spotless, it means that the management and staff pay great attention to the hygiene and sanitation of the nursing home. A well-maintained aged care home will restrict the spread of bacteria and infectious diseases.
2. Is the surrounding area loud and crowded?
The senior needs a good quality of rest to stay healthy and energized. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the neighbourhood won’t cause disturbances.
3. Is the relationship between staff and residents respectful and friendly? Do they enjoy each other’s company?
Although you may frequently visit them, your elderly loved one will spend most of their time with the nursing staff and other residents when they live in a nursing home. Thus, it is necessary to ensure that they stay in a positive social environment that will make them feel comfortable, loved, and connected to other people. Social warmth will protect them from developing loneliness. You can find this answer by visiting the nursing home that you are interested in and pay attention to the social interaction between the seniors and the staff.
4. Do the residents appear healthy and well-groomed?
Some irresponsible nursing home management only wants to reap a lot of benefits from the residents and the family. They do not look after the residents’ well-being. What matters to them is that they received the monthly costs. No one wants their family to be in that sort of place, therefore it is important to look at the nursing home resident’s condition. Do they look healthy and do they receive good care from the nursing staff? If possible, it would be best to ask the seniors directly when you visit the aged care facility. Hearing their honest review will help you make the right decision.
5. Are the residents involved in exciting and enjoyable programs or events? What kinds of activities are available at the nursing homes?
Moving to a Queanbeyan aged care does not necessarily mean that your elderly loved one will spend all their golden years in their bedrooms. There are various fun activities that they can enjoy, for instance, dancing class, journalling session, embroidery, and many more.
The journey of finding the right aged care home for your elderly loved one can be time-consuming and stressful. Hopefully, this checklist can lift the weight off your shoulder and help you find the best nursing home for your loved one.