If your elderly loved one has health problems and can no longer take care of him or herself, nursing home care may be a viable option. At a nursing home, your family member will be monitored 24 hours a day and have all his or her needs tended to. However, with so many nursing facilities out there, how do you choose the right one?
Here are five important things to look for in a skilled nursing facility.
Adequately Staffed
Before you put your loved one in a nursing home, you should first make sure that it's adequately staffed. If there are not enough staff members working at the facility, your loved one may not receive the care or attention he or she deserves. Find out the staff-to-resident ratio and how often staff members spend with each resident.
Variety of Meal Options
Good nutrition is essential for keeping your loved one as strong and healthy as possible. That is why you should choose a nursing facility that provides well-balanced, prepared meals three times a day. If your family member has any dietary restrictions, make sure that facility can accommodate them.
Neatness and Cleanliness
When you are touring a nursing facility, pay attention to how neat and cleanly it is. Are the floors clear from clutter so that no one will trip? Are the rooms well-organized and clean? If a nursing home is not clean or sanitary, it can pose health risks to the residents.
Services
Not all nursing homes offer the exact types of services. It is important to choose a nursing facility that caters to your loved one's unique needs. For example, if your family member has dementia, you should choose a facility that specializes in caring for dementia patients.
Variety of Activities
The nursing facility you choose should offer a variety of activities that appeal to your loved one, such as arts and crafts, movie nights and group fitness classes. After all, your family member doesn't just want to sit there and be bored. Fun activities will help keep your loved one busy and help him or her interact with others.
It's a good idea to schedule tours with a few different skilled nursing facilities in your area. As you tour each facility, keep an eye out for the qualities listed above. You want your family member to have the absolute best experience while staying at a nursing home.