Making the decision to place a loved one in the care of a nursing home is a difficult one, but knowing that you have chosen a place that is nurturing, warm and safe can help put your mind at ease. It's important to know which questions to ask before placing your relative in nursing home care, as it lets you make the best possible decision. Here are a few questions you should be sure to ask when visiting prospective care facilities.
What Types Of Social Activities Do You Offer?
Your loved one won't be able to simply hop in the car to attend a social event, such as church services or bingo night. It's up to the nursing home to bring these activities to the residents. You'll want to know if the home you choose offers enough activities to keep your family member busy. Socialization can potentially help to reduce the risk of dementia, making it an important part of your loved one's care plan. A recent University of Michigan study shows that just ten minutes of social interaction can improve a person's cognitive thinking.
Will You Have Access To Your Loved One At All Times?
While it is true that nursing homes do lock up at night, this does not mean that you have to stick to visiting hours to check on your loved one. Immediate family members, such as those having power of attorney, can often arrange to have 24-hour access to the building. It's important to have this access because there may be times when you want to be there to provide comfort and emotional support, or you may simply want to check that your loved one is being treated properly at all hours of the day and night. If a facility tells you that emergency overnight access is not permitted, you may want to consider another nursing home.
Can Your Loved One Have Personal Items In The Room?
Some nursing homes only provide a small nightstand and a bit of closet space for personal items. This can make the transition from living at home to living in a facility difficult. Ask whether or not you can bring in plants, picture frames and other items to help make the room feel more like home. Being surrounded by these memories can help with the transition to nursing home living. Be sure that any dressers or closets can be locked to protect your loved ones more personal items.
Of course, you'll also want to ask about safety inspections, emergency health services and any health code issues, but asking questions about the quality of everyday life is just as important as asking about the physical safety of the facility. Use these questions as a guide for how to choose a nursing home that will treat your loved one with dignity and respect.
For more information, contact Health Concepts LTD or a similar organization.
Share14 September 2015
