There may come a time when it is no longer safe for your loved one to live on his or her own and placing them in the care of strangers is not an easy thing to do. However, if it must be done, there are basic signs to look out for as advised by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). A former Arizona nursing home administrator Maryglenn Boals is of the opinion that “Residents in nursing facilities need a personal advocate to look after their interest because, in nursing homes, mistakes are bound to happen.”

Experienced experts and administrators offer basic advice that can help people who plan to move their loved ones into a nursing facility.

The Respect for Residents Living There

  • Friendly Staff

The staff working in the facility must be friendly and patient with residents. Caring for the elderly requires a lot of patience and perseverance. The way residents are cared for will have a direct consequence on the quality of their health. Smiling and replying questions calmly is necessary for keeping residents happy and less agitated.

  • Supportive Staff

Regardless of the Mental condition of any of the residents, the staff should be supportive irrespective of their mental or physical health conditions. Staff yelling at residents at the slightest sign of provocation should raise a red flag when looking for a peaceful community to move your relatives into.

  • The way residents are addressed

It is wrong by international practice and convention to discuss residents using nicknames. Their first names, not nicknames should be what the staff uses for residents.

  • Privacy

That your loved one has become dependent on others for help doesn’t rob them of their right to privacy like everybody else. Before entering a room, the staff ought to knock on the door and request permission before coming in. If you already have a loved one in a care facility for the elderly, ask them if their privacy is violated and endeavor to file a complaint with the management should that be the case.

Varieties of Activities

  • Outside interaction

Even if the community is wonderful it doesn’t mean your loved ones wish to be locked in and shut out from the rest of the world. Enquire if the facility interacts with the outside world and if they do, how often. Bestland Senior Living strives to be involved with local events and offers transportation for errands and tasks. Knowing fully well that the facility you intend to place your loved ones regularly interact with people on the outside will give you assurances that they will be able to live healthy lives there.

  • Creative activities

Educational activities help to keep the mental state of the elderly sharp just like everyone else. If your loved one is still strong enough, he or she may want to engage in some physical exercises like aerobics, jogging and even swimming (with expert supervision). These activities are essential to spice up their lives and keep them inspired every day of the week. Enquire to know if the facility provides the kind of events your relative loves and if they don’t, ask to see if they can arrange it. Good homes have flexible approaches to service delivery and will go the extra mile to provide whatever is needed to make their stay truly rewarding.

  • Outdoor group events

As a means to interact regularly with those on the outside, regular outdoor trips may be planned for residents. In some cases, events can be organized in-house and professionals from different fields like entertainers, fitness experts, etc., are invited to engage and interact with residents.

Quality of Food

This is an essential item you cannot afford to miss when inspecting a prospective facility.

  • Special meals

Good homes go the extra mile to provide menu that meet the ethical, medical and religious needs of their residents. Ensure that the facility serves the kind of menu suitable for the needs of your parent or relative.

  • Balanced meals

You want your parent or relative to get the best care available so you shouldn’t leave any stone unturned in ensuring just that. Request for the menu list and eating schedule and carefully scrutinize it to ascertain if its suitable for your ward.

Homely Surroundings

  • Homely and comfortable setting

You want a home for your parent and relative far away from their former home, and the interior and exterior environment plays a vital role in ensuring just that. It is a nursing facility, but it shouldn’t look like a hospital or any other medical facility. The furniture should look like the ones used in a standard home setting.

  • Personal effects

Enquire if you can bring in their personal results to make their stay more comfortable.

  • Gardens

If your loved one likes to tend gardens, placing him or her in a center with gardens will keep them occupied and fulfilled.

Amenities

  • Artworks and beautiful interior

We all love the art. Excellent facilities have beautiful interiors riddled with pleasant and awe-inspiring artworks. While this is not a must for all homes, facilities that have attractive interiors exhibit a love for quality and high living standards.

  • Clean and safe environment

Hallways and doorways are well lighted and free from obstructions. Also, the interior and exterior spaces are clean and devoid of unpleasant odors. While taking a tour of the facility to keep your senses open for nasty smells. Bad scents are proof that the maintenance standard is below par. If that is the case, refrain from placing your relative in such a place.

Listed above are some of the essential things to check for when inspecting a prospective facility for the elderly. Don’t also forget to ask about visiting hours. Good homes allow visitors as often as possible and daily in some facilities (no midnight visits). Knowing fully well that you and other relatives will be allowed to visit often will put your parent or relative at ease. Contact us here at Bestland for all your local Coeur d’alene Retirement Community questions.