Many adults find themselves in the difficult situation of having to place an elderly parent into a nursing home. If their care requires more time and effort than you can give, and they can't live safely on their own, it is a viable option to consider. Even though making the choice will be an emotional experience, it can often turn out to be for the best. Consider these factors as you transition your parent into this new living situation.
1. The best place to start is to check out Medicare's website, as it has a section that rates nursing homes. It is administered by the government and evaluates such elements as quality of care and level of service. It's also important to find out what the nursing home licensing requirements are in your state. For example, New Jersey's requirements may be found at the state's official website.
2. Look carefully at the lifestyle residents will enjoy at each facility. Is it a supportive, relaxed community? Does the facility have a social or recreational director? Are residents offered outside activities, such as bus trips? A welcoming environment should also include the opportunity to create friendships.
3. Determine what sort of services your loved one will need. Do they need help with taking medications, bathing, and feeding themselves? If they are more independent, are most of the other residents mobile and active as well? Ask if the facility has a social worker. You should also take note of whether the facility has a system for checking on residents in case of emergency.
4. Being close to where other family members live is advantageous. While most nursing homes are staffed with professionals who care for the residents, it is still a good idea to have a family presence at the facility. In this way, you offer a gentle reminder to the staff that the resident's family members are also keeping an eye out to ensure that they are taken care of appropriately.
5. Finding a nursing home that will not break the bank is essential, especially these days. Determine how long a stay your parent will have at this facility. Is this going to be an interim measure for rehab purposes, or will they live there indefinitely? Many of the more costly nursing homes may offer more activities and lower staff to patient ratio, but finding a reasonably-priced facility with amenities is possible.
Although this may be a challenging time for you and your elderly parent, keep in mind that the main goal is that they find a place in which they will be comfortable, safe, and happy. For such an important decision, preparation and research are essential to finding a place your loved one can call home.
1. The best place to start is to check out Medicare's website, as it has a section that rates nursing homes. It is administered by the government and evaluates such elements as quality of care and level of service. It's also important to find out what the nursing home licensing requirements are in your state. For example, New Jersey's requirements may be found at the state's official website.
2. Look carefully at the lifestyle residents will enjoy at each facility. Is it a supportive, relaxed community? Does the facility have a social or recreational director? Are residents offered outside activities, such as bus trips? A welcoming environment should also include the opportunity to create friendships.
3. Determine what sort of services your loved one will need. Do they need help with taking medications, bathing, and feeding themselves? If they are more independent, are most of the other residents mobile and active as well? Ask if the facility has a social worker. You should also take note of whether the facility has a system for checking on residents in case of emergency.
4. Being close to where other family members live is advantageous. While most nursing homes are staffed with professionals who care for the residents, it is still a good idea to have a family presence at the facility. In this way, you offer a gentle reminder to the staff that the resident's family members are also keeping an eye out to ensure that they are taken care of appropriately.
5. Finding a nursing home that will not break the bank is essential, especially these days. Determine how long a stay your parent will have at this facility. Is this going to be an interim measure for rehab purposes, or will they live there indefinitely? Many of the more costly nursing homes may offer more activities and lower staff to patient ratio, but finding a reasonably-priced facility with amenities is possible.
Although this may be a challenging time for you and your elderly parent, keep in mind that the main goal is that they find a place in which they will be comfortable, safe, and happy. For such an important decision, preparation and research are essential to finding a place your loved one can call home.
About the Author:
Ruth Williams has written dozens of articles on education-related topics which include online colleges, financial aid, and online degree programs.
0 comments:
Post a Comment