Checklist – What to look for when looking for a nursing home for your parents

We know that no one likes the idea of placing their parents in a nursing home, but as they age, it’s an idea everyone should consider because it may improve their quality of life. Not everyone can offer full-time home care for an elder, especially if they experience health issues. But a nursing home can be a great option because it provides 24/7 high-quality care. 

You’ll find it easier to decide if you give yourself time to research the available options and find the best match for their needs. Help everyone in your family get accustomed to the idea of nursing home placement, so they can adjust to it and understand its benefits. 

If your parents can still make choices, discuss with them to find out their wishes clearly because it’s crucial to acknowledge their preferences. In case an impairment prevents them from making decisions on their behalf, discuss the decision with the entire family. Deciding to get them to a nursing home can be quite challenging because your opinions may differ from the other family members. Getting in touch with a professional like a doctor can be very helpful in this situation because they can evaluate your parents’ needs and tell you what’s best for them. 

No matter if you look for the nursing home yourself or on behalf of your parents, here are some points you should consider. 

Location and size

When looking for a nursing home, its location is one of the most important factors to consider because you need to be as close to them as possible. It’s best to visit them as often as possible to show them that even if they reside in a nursing home, the family still cares for them. 

Although a one-hour ride may seem ok at first, you may not be so comfortable with it when you think about making the drive every week after work. If the nursing home isn’t close to you, it should be close to another family member willing to stay in touch with your parents and visit them as often as possible. 

Also, check the nursing home’s size because they may have particular requirements based on your parents’ preferences and personality. Ask them if they want a quiet or social environment. Do they want to meet other people and engage in activities that keep them busy or want to relax? When you visit the nursing home, check if there are places where your parents can get outside to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Ensure that the places are easily accessible and safe because it’s crucial to keep them safe. 

Is the nursing home large enough to have quiet areas and activity spaces so that your parents are able to alternate between the activities?

What services does the nursing home offer?

Though all nursing homes offer long-term care, some are specialised in particular services and health care, so it’s vital to find out what services they provide to determine if they’re the right choice for your parents. 

While some services are paramount for meeting the specific needs of patients, others are created to improve their quality of life. For example, many nursing homes offer meal and dining experiences because it has been proved that it can increase the residents’ satisfaction and happiness. It would be a great idea to visit the home during mealtime with your parents, to determine if they enjoy the environment and atmosphere. Ask the residents if they can choose between different options for their meals while there. Supposing your parents have special dietary needs, ask the staff if they can prepare nutritious meals and snacks for them. 

Besides meals, you should also check if the nursing home has in house doctors or connects the residents with healthcare professionals with the help of telemedicine. The best nursing homes collaborate with medical experts from all fields to provide their residents access to high-quality healthcare services. During these times, it would be best if nursing homes use telemedicine to provide professional medical care while protecting them from catching the coronavirus. Special healthcare services should also be available in case the facility homes patients with special needs. For example, if one of your parents has dementia, take them to a place that provides special care for dementia patients.      

Find more about the staffing

The staff members are the ones who ensure your parents’ safety and care, and their professionalism, expertise, and attitude are of crucial importance. When interviewing the nursing home representative, ask them plenty of questions about the staff and spend some time around the facility to glimpse the services they provide. 

While you observe, try to determine if they have the needed skills to provide nursing and personal care, are polite, respectful, and warm towards the residents, and make sure that they are happy and safe.

Other things you should consider when evaluating the nursing home staff:

– Does the facility provide them with easy access to a training program and continuing education to help them improve their skills?

– Does the nursing home hire skilled nurses that have experience working with elders? 

– Does that staff have a record of neglecting or mistreating residents?

– Are there licensed nurses at the facility 24/7? 

– Is the staff willing to work with the residents’ families to ensure that the patients benefit from the best care?

Independence and choices

Moving to a nursing home can be scary and overwhelming for your parents. They may feel like they’ll no longer have the freedom to make their own choices. And while they may not be able to do some of the things they did at home, they should also know that they’ll benefit from other things that’ll make their life more enjoyable. 

Ensure that the nursing home allows them to make some choices that guarantee their freedom and happiness, like the activities they take part in, what they eat, and when they go to bed and wake up.