How to Tell a Good Nursing Home From a Terrible One
Whether we like it or not, we are all getting older. In fact, the country as a whole is aging , according to the US Census, and the population over 85 is estimated to triple in the next 20 to 30 years. So it’s not surprising that there are close to a million people living in nursing homes in this country – and that number will no doubt grow rapidly as the country continues to grey.
Accompanied accommodation is a great option for many families because it is a flexible experience. If your elderly loved one just needs some care and assistance, they can still lead a fairly independent life with support from qualified professionals and easy access to healthcare. While research and evaluation of the training and qualifications of staff is one of the main aspects of choosing a nursing home, there is also the question of the atmosphere and “atmosphere” of the place.
Assuming the staff and quality of care is up to par, how can you tell if a nursing home is right for your aging loved ones? The answer is surprisingly simple: Treat the selection process the same way you would buy a house.
The best time to visit a nursing home
The nursing home selection process begins with research and then typically includes a site visit where you and your loved ones take a tour of the location. You will receive a promotional presentation regarding the amenities, service levels and social life that can be found at this location. And that’s all great and nice to know, but you have to remember that deep down it’s a publicity stunt. When you’re looking for a house, the realtor showing you the house will always highlight the good things and try to get you out of trouble quickly, and the solution is to visit the house on your own at different times.
So it is with auxiliary living quarters. Drop by on a Saturday night after dinner – at this time the place will be quiet, relaxed and more or less devoid of non-essential employees. The manager and marketers are long gone so you can get a real feel for the place. Are the residents happy and relaxed? Do you see people who need attention, who are sitting alone all over the place? Employees are exhausted and stressed – can you find them? Is the place in good condition or is it dirty and in need of a good cleaning?
Come again in a day or two, but this time come to dinner. This way you will see how the place works when everyone is busy and everyone is outside. Is the meal a festive, happy event, or are the residents up in arms against problems? Are the staff polite and supportive, or are residents doing their best? Observe whether each guest eats enough and what the tone of their relationship with the staff is – it’s one thing to communicate with residents when managers and salespeople walk around with you, and quite another to see them while high. stress or hectic times of the day.
Why a Restriction Appeal Matters
You might think that the exterior of a nursing home is just a superficial detail, but you are wrong. It is very important. Just like when buying a house, the appearance of the object says a lot about how it is maintained and operated.
If you visit a home you’re considering buying and find no shingles on the roof, overgrown landscaping, and water stains on the plaster, you’ll get in your car and drive away—or cut your offer down significantly. The same applies to the nursing home. Obvious damage and delayed maintenance, poorly maintained landscaping and lack of access due to lack of personnel or broken locks and security systems are all alarming. Even if your tour went smoothly and people seem happy, a casual approach to appealing against restrictions is a warning sign that things will be sloppy elsewhere.
Inside, pay close attention to cleanliness. Are trash cans emptied regularly? Is the paint fresh or are the walls scuffed and dented? Are the carpets in good condition? Are elevators and other vital infrastructure working? If you notice something like a failed lift in a nursing home and you’re told it’s going to be fixed, come back in a few days and see if it’s been done – if not, that’s a sign the facility is hidden. Problems.
What to look for in rooms
Finally, do not forget that this is not a hospital where your loved one will be treated, this will also be his home. Put on your home hunter’s hat as you travel through the living quarters that your parents or other relatives will be living in. Are the carpets clean? Are the walls freshly painted? Any obvious damage? Is the furniture fairly new and in good condition? Do the same things you did when buying a house: check the water pressure, look for water damage, note any small problems like holes in the walls or missing hanger rods in the closets. These details are relatively minor individually, but together they tell the story of how well the business is managed and maintained.
Combined with an extensive cycle of research, an appeal to a nursing facility, such as buying a home, can give you all the information you need to know your loved one will be in good hands.