5 Signs of A Quality Care Facility Every Family Should Know
Choosing nursing home care for your senior loved one is one of the most difficult tasks, at least, that is how I was feeling. I was so scared that I was going to make a bad decision which I’d end up regretting later or that my loved one was going to be unhappy in the facility.
It is such a big responsibility that you start questioning everything, and guess what – you should question everything as long as you are not 100% sure you made the right decision for your elderly.
In my opinion, this isn’t just a part of the journey for your senior family member. It actually affects the whole family. It really meant a lot for all of us to feel happy and satisfied about the facility to which we chose to commit.
That is why I think it is crucial to know what you are looking for in a facility that is going to take care of your loved one. If you are struggling with the same questions and challenges, this list of 5 signs of a quality care facility is going to be very helpful.
Cleanliness and Organization
I think that the cleanliness level of the facility isn’t just the appeal and aesthetics. This is a clear parameter for the level of care provided. There are some ways you can find out more about that. For example, I was observing common areas, resident rooms, and bathrooms during a visit and looked at how clean they were.
From my experience, you should pay attention to smells, rooms that are not visible from the entrance, and how the routines are organized for residents to make them feel comfortable.
Qualified Staff
I was thinking this way about this matter – I want to know how trained and professional people are who are going to take care of someone I deeply care about.
I wanted to know if they are approachable, patient, kind, and above all, if they have the knowledge to take care of the resident.
Also, it is important to be informed about the staff turnover rates. If they are high, that can be a red flag. You can ask the management if they have regular education and training for staff members to keep them updated.
Activities and Programs
For me, this is about how your loved one is going to spend most of his/her time in the facility. This is very important for his/her overall well-being.
If the facility has an engaging and fulfilling environment for its residents, this is something that is going to improve their quality of life. No one wants to feel isolated or without a sense of purpose, and programs that include social, physical, and mental stimulation are there to prevent that.
Transparent Communication
I was so scared that something was going to happen with my loved one in the facility that I was not going to be able to find out. That is why, for me, open communication between facilities and families is crucial.
I asked if they were going to provide us with regular updates on our loved one’s health and well-being. Lack of transparency usually leads to negligence, and that was the most important thing my family and I were trying to avoid.
Positive Reviews and Recommendations
This one is one of the most important things to look at (thoroughly). There are many famous facilities that look perfect “on paper” but have very low Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates. Some of them are also unrated.
Do you know why some of them are unrated and what this means?
For example, Grand Manor Nursing Home unrated Special Focus Facility, has a series of violations of residents’ rights, and that is the reason why the government has flagged it for a long-standing pattern of abuse. That’s also why they’re not even rated with the worst rates by the CMS. And for those that don’t do proper research, this might look innocent, or even misleading.
That is why it is so important to find out everything about the rates of the facility you are considering to choose. Also, make sure to talk with residents and their families to find out how they feel about their choice.
So, in short, do some diligent research and interviewing (staff, other residents) before making a decision. And also take a close look at how the CMS views the facility. That should be a very transparent and unbiased starting point.
Conclusion
When I looked at everything I pointed out and was informed about every aspect of the facility I was considering with my family, I started to feel less stressed.
Like with every important decision in your life, you should think about all the pros and cons and watch yourself for potential mistakes or problems. When choosing the nursing home care for your loved one, it is even more important to check everything because your wrong decision can have a serious effect on the overall well-being and health of your elderly.
If everything still seems fine (after checking everything), you’re very likely making a good decision for your senior loved one.
