Madeline SchwartzWhat do nursing homes offer?
June 26th 2007 01:15
These days, nursing homes will only admit people who need help with all activities of daily living; or those who have conditions that require skilled nursing care (Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse) on a daily basis. In either case, nursing homes will also provide services such as dietary, therapeutic, personal, social, and recreational services as well as meals, laundry, housekeeping, and medical services.
Finding the proper nursing home is an important decision. As with all services in this booklet, shop around, and in the case of nursing homes, have four or five options in your initial search. Arrange an appointment to visit the homes, especially during meal times to get a better sense of the food and atmosphere. Take the list below* with you to remind you of things to look for and ask.
• Is the facility clean? Is there a permeating odor?
• Are the residents groomed and dressed?
• Are the rooms cheerful or depressing?
• Are the majority of residents out of bed?
• Do individual rooms have the resident’s personal possessions?
• Are there bathrooms in the individual bedrooms?
• Does the staff seem to be caring? How do they interact with the patients, especially those with dementia?
• Are there aides in the dayrooms, or are the patients unattended?
• If you observe a meal, does the food look appetizing? Are portions reasonable?
• Are those who need assistance with eating being helped?
• Activity schedules should be posted. Ask if you can observe a program.
• What security measures are in place? Security is especially crucial for dementia patients frequently wander.
• Is there a special unit or program for dementia patients?
• Have staff received special training to work with dementia patients?
• Does the home have volunteers assisting staff?
• How do staff members handle agitated patients?
• Is there sufficient room for pacers to walk? Enough space is critical for those who pace a great deal.
• If your relative has been accepted as medically appropriate and the facility has placed him on a waiting list, it is up to you to keep in touch with admitting staff. Call at least every ten days.
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