senior center

If an older parent is hospitalized or is unable to manage on their own, it is best to look for a nursing home that provides for their needs. It is best to look for nursing homes prior to an emergency situation. There are certain factors that differentiate a good nursing home from a bad one. Let’s take a look at some of the tips which will help you choose the best nursing home for an elderly parent or relative.

Pick Medicare Nursing Home Compare

If you have no idea where to start from, it is best to look at Medicare nursing home compare feature that will allow you to compare different nursing homes and pick out the one that best suits your needs. On the Medicare website, you can type in the zip code or location and find the most suitable licensed nursing homes.

Consider the Location

A great factor to consider when looking for a nursing home is location. The nursing home should be in a convenient location for friends and family.

Take a Tour

Would you want your elderly parent to live in a poorly maintained place with no hygiene? Take a tour of the nursing home and make sure that it is clean. You should also look at the furnishings and safety of the entire nursing home. Ask one of the staff members to show you the rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and sitting area. Everything in the nursing home should be well maintained. You should prepare a list of questions to ask the nursing home in-charge including:

• Do residents get free time to socialize?

• Do residents get to choose their meals?

• Is the facility certified or licensed?

• What is the difference between this facility and any other?

• What are the safety measures taken by the staff members in case of emergencies?

• How much does the facility charge?

Examine the Medical Facilities

Elderly people that are admitted to nursing homes often have health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to have proper medical equipment and facilities in nursing homes to avoid emergency situations. Ask the staff to show you the medical equipment and facilities available there. A proper nursing home should have ventilators and physical therapy rooms. You need to make sure that your elderly relative receives proper medical care and attention in the nursing home.

Ask about Routine Activities

A nursing home shouldn’t be depressing as the elderly need to participate in different activities to stay healthy. Therefore, when you visit a nursing home, make sure you ask for the routine activities. You will also need to observe the people there to see whether they stay in their rooms all day long or they indulge in activities with each other. A nursing home that keeps the elderly active by planning events and recreational activities is the one that you should choose.

Visit the Kitchen

There are many food concerns for the elderly. Therefore, you need to make sure that the nursing home’s kitchen is hygienic and the food that they prepare is healthy. When you visit a nursing home, make sure you take a tour of the kitchen. Check the food variety and the choices that the elderly get. Ask questions from the kitchen staff to make sure that everyone gets their choice of food in good quantity.

Leaving a loved one in a nursing home is a tough decision. However, when you can’t provide proper care and attention to the elderly at home, it is best to find a suitable nursing home near your home. Make sure that the nursing home you choose is clean, tidy, and responsible.