How to Pick A Nursing Home
The decision to go into a nursing home is an tough one, for all concerned. Once you’ve made the decision however, you need to choose the right nursing home for your needs, and one that the elderly person will be happy and fulfilled in. These are some top tips to consider when making your choice.
Does the home feel Welcoming?
When you walk into a room you know what it feels like - whether it’s welcoming or not. Your first impressions of a nursing home are very important and will stick with you even after you’ve left, so if the home doesn’t feel right you might want to consider somewhere else.
Is the home Clean?
Nursing homes are often subject to a lot of wear and tear, but standards of cleanliness must be kept high. If the home looks dirty it isn’t the sort of place you want your loved one to go. On the other hand, if the home is kept clean that’s great. Don’t be afraid to ask about cleaning schedules both in common areas and in resident’s own rooms.
Are staff Friendly?
The staff are the ones who’ll be providing your loved one with care, so they should be open and friendly. If they don’t seem that way you won’t feel confident leaving your loved one with them. Friendly staff that interact well with residents and understand their personal needs are essential.
Do other residents seem Happy?
The other residents are a great indicator of how good a nursing home is. If you can, talk to a few of them to see what they think. Contended residents mean that they’re being looked after well. Ask about the sorts of entertainment provided, whether there are trips organised and activities planned frequently. Your loved one will want to be happy and engaged during their stay.
What’s the food like?
You don’t want to eat food you don’t like all the time, so ask to see the menu. Your loved one will want to have nice meals provided, or they might have special dietary requirements that will need to be provided for. The food in a nursing home is very important so make sure that they serve what you like.
Can you bring your own things?
You’ll probably notice special nursing home furniture in a lot of the common rooms, designed to help staff handle residents, but it may be that your loved one can bring their own furniture with them. Ask if they can furnish their bedroom or suite how they like it, or if they’ll have to leave everything behind. Being parted with possessions can be difficult and bringing them with you will make a nursing home feel more like your own home.
Can you pursue hobbies?
It’s important that your loved one’s quality of life remains high, so make sure that they can pursue their existing hobbies and interests. Are pets allowed for example? Is there a garden where residents can have their own allotment or flower patch? Is it possible to arrange trips to nearby bingo clubs/libraries/cinemas etc? Whatever your loved one likes to do, the nursing home should be able to provide it.
A nursing home has to provide an exceptional level of care, but at the same time it should fit around the lifestyle of your loved one. If it doesn’t, they won’t be happy there, and mental health plays a big role in physical health. Make sure your loved one feels at home and they have a good chance at a healthy, happy stay.
The Valley of the two lakes location was sought out as a peaceful retreat by Saint Kevin because of its remoteness and serenity, but several men who wished to follow his teachings built a temporary place of churches and living quarters in the valley below the site of his house. This soon grew and became an important school. The remains of the monastery are located beside the Lower Lake and the Upper Lake.