by Nursing Homes Staff on November 3, 2010
Choosing to put a loved one into a nursing home is a heart rending decision for most of us. No one really wants to put mom or dad, grandma or grandpa into a care facility. But when failing health or dementia demand that someone needs to care for them day and night, nursing homes may be your only option.
If you find yourself at that place where you need to put one of your loved ones in a nursing home, you’ll want to make sure that the facility you choose gives them the best of care. Here are some ways to check out the quality of any nursing homes you are considering for your loved ones:
- Visit the Medicare website. Medicare’s website maintains information regarding which nursing homes are approved for Medicare. There is also some basic information about many of the facilities. This is an excellent source of unbiased information.
- Visit the facility. The best time to visit nursing homes is when they aren’t expecting you to come. If you want to see the facility for what it is, and for how it actually operates on a day to day basis, show up without an appointment and ask if you can walk around a bit. If they don’t want you to, the logical next question is “Why not?”
- Ask about staff to resident ratio. Particularly, you need to know how many skilled staff are working with how many residents. Many nursing homes have as few as one nurse working with 30 residents. Obviously, that’s not enough staff to offer quality care. A 1:10 ratio or less is much more reasonable.
- Trust your instincts. If you suspect that the patients at a given facility are not receiving quality care, you’re probably right. In any case, you’re not going to want your loved ones staying there if you’re not comfortable with the level
We understand that making the decision to move your loved one into a nursing home is a difficult one. In most cases, so do the staff at the nursing homes (and if they don’t, you’ll want to find a different nursing home anyway). Your loved ones deserve the very best care they can get. And when you make it a point to check the facilities out before moving your loved one there, and to stay involved after your loved one is in the nursing home, you help ensure that they will receive a high quality of care.
by admin on October 27, 2010
When you have a loved one living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s important to visit as often as you reasonably can. The stress of moving to a new environment often compounds medical problems and can make recovery more difficult. Staying active and socially engaged is an important part of healthy living, and you can help your loved one stay positive when you visit.
- Nursing homes typically have visitation schedules that you should be aware of as you plan your visit. Dropping by unannounced can be a stressor instead of providing the comfort and pleasure you intended.
- You should not visit when you have a cold, flu, or other virus, as other residents may have immune deficiencies which make them more susceptible to illness.
- Call ahead to find out if your loved one is in need of any personal items, clothing, or other necessities. Ask what time of day would be best to avoid mealtimes and medication times.
- Gifts are usually welcome. You can always bring flowers, but consider bringing a gift that will last longer such as a blanket, pillow, sweater, or slippers with good tread. Children can draw their own cards and pictures to brighten up the room.
- Medical devices can often be intimidating, but don’t be afraid to touch your loved one during the visit. Nursing home patients often suffer from isolation, and the healing powers of a human touch go a long way toward reestablishing that physical connection.
- You can plan to share a meal with your loved one, but make sure to ask about the nursing home’s policy about bringing food in.
- Don’t be in a hurry when you visit, and listen actively when your loved one is speaking. Make sure you can give them your full attention. Bring activities along for the kids to keep them occupied.
- You may be able to offer a manicure, pedicure, or hair cut during your visit. If you plan to take your loved one off site for any reason, just be sure to clear it with the staff beforehand.
- Get to know nursing home staff and other residents. Many residents don’t get many visitors, and you can easily brighten someone’s day just by popping in to say hello. Informal conversations will also allow you to gauge the level of care and working conditions in the nursing home.
Staying in a nursing home can be very hard on patients due to the social isolation and constant focus on medical issues. Many patients can start to feel like a burden to family members, and they might not want anyone making a fuss over them. Be sure to reassure your loved one that they are an important part of your life, and respect their feelings as well as their intelligence. After all, they are adults in need of medical care, not children who can’t take care of themselves.
Choosing to put a loved one into a nursing home is a heart rending decision for most of us. No one really wants to put mom or dad, grandma or grandpa into a care facility. But when failing health or dementia demand that someone needs to care for them day and night, nursing homes may be your only option.
