What to Look For When Choosing a Care Home for Your Parent(s)
It certainly can be a tough decision as to whether or not to put your parent(s) into a nursing home, and then you have to decide what facility is the best. It helps to take a look at the various types of care homes out there, which may help you determine which sort fits with your parents’ needs. And you can then look for particular characteristics within those types of care homes.
Here are some ideas as to what to look for in a home for your parent(s). First, let’s look at the different types of care homes and options.
Assisted Living Homes
Assisted living homes can be looked at as something of a compromise between nursing home care and living at home. Assisted living facilities are usually set up like a home; rooms have private bathrooms, kitchens/kitchenettes, and other home-like amenities. There is usually a large dining room where residents can dine if they can’t or don’t want to cook for themselves.
If your parents need daily supervision but can take care of their own basic needs like bathing and some cooking, assisted living may be an option.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes can be thought of as a cross between a hospital and assisted living. Residents in nursing homes need daily medical care and are unable to perform basic self-care, such as bathing and cooking. Some nursing home residents are physically unable to get about, and need to be in a wheelchair. Nursing homes are for residents who need care ’round the clock.
In-Home Help
For seniors who want to live at home and resources allow, you can often hire in-home help. The sort of help that is offered usually varies from simply visiting your parent to doing housework and cooking. The availability of this kind of help varies according to location; a good place to start is with an online search or a look through the yellow pages. You can also check with your parent’s doctor to see if he/she has any suggestions.
Sources recommend that you require references for anyone who is going to be in your parent’s home when you are not there. (Also, make sure valuables are locked up or removed from your parent’s home.)
What to Look For
As you consider what type of care your parent needs, here are some things to consider. Plan unannounced visits to the facilities you are considering.
* If you decide on assisted living or a retirement community, find out what the long-term care policy is. This refers to how the home/community will respond if your parent’s condition deteriorates and he/she needs more care than they did upon arrival.
* Personal items – is your parent allowed to bring his furniture, pictures, and other items from his home?
* Are the visiting hours acceptable? Can you visit any time?
* Check on the activities, and see if they would meet your parent’s needs. You might be concerned about worship services being available, entertainment, or other activities.
* Notice the smell. A nasty-smelling facility may be deficient in hygiene.
* Find out if the staff are certified and trained appropriately.