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Deciding to put your elderly parents in a nursing home can be one of the most challenging choices you have to make. However, not all of us can provide full-time care, and a professional facility can often be the best option.
To make things easier, you want to spend time researching a home that suits the needs of both your parents and your family. Below, we will take a look at six things you should consider so that you can begin the process.
Let’s get started.
The idea of putting your elderly parents in a nursing home isn't something most of us want to think about. However, if the time comes here are stop things to look out for!Click To TweetNursing Home Location
One of the most important things you’ll want to think about when choosing a nursing home facility is its location. You want to be able to visit your parents frequently, without having to make a long trip.
At first, 30 minutes might seem like a short distance but are you prepared to drive that every week? If there are no nursing homes close to you, think about choosing somewhere near another family member.
What Services Does the Nursing Home Provide
Everyone needs different care, so when researching nursing homes, you need to think about what they provide.
Depending on your parent’s situation, they may need more specialized care. However, they may also be suited to a more independent living situation.
Your parent’s doctor should be able to give you more insight on this, but it can also be wise to look at the pros and cons of assisted living vs independent living to help you make a decision.
Nursing Home Red Flags
Alongside looking at the advantages of each facility, you want to make sure you do some research into their reputation as well. There are many different types of elder abuse, and you want to make sure that the service doesn’t have any adverse history.
Remember to trust your gut, and if you don’t feel like you can communicate effectively with staff, it’s probably not going to be the right choice for you.
Provides Activities for the Elderly
There’s nothing worse than picturing your loved ones being bored all day long in their aged care facility. Nursing homes should offer various activities every day that are tailored to suit the interests of their residents.
They may even bring in guests to run cooking classes or partner with local schools to perform concerts.
Supports Nutritional Needs of the Senior Citizens
While it may seem trivial at first, food is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a facility. You want to make sure that your parents have access to delicious, high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs.
Alongside this, they should provide options for cultural and ethical preferences. Some nursing homes may even have a small kitchen for those that want to make a snack or hot beverage themselves.
Nursing Home Daily Schedule
Lastly, the final thing you want to consider when choosing a nursing home is what type of routine they offer. While a strict routine can be good in some cases, you still want there to be flexibility.
Residents shouldn’t be forced to go to sleep at a particular time, and they should offer food throughout the day.
Do your parents or grandparents live in a nursing home?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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