Page 4 - HowTo.2017

Page 4 – Tuesday, October 31, 2017
How To Guide
How To Choose A Nursing Home Facility
Aging often brings with it the need to seek the services of a nursing home. It can be a difficult decision. Your loved one should receive the very best of care, but it can be tough to know for certain that you’re making the best decision when it’s time to se- lect a nursing home. Finding the best care for a family member can help that person, and the entire family, live a happier, healthier life. It can bring peace of mind.
Before making the choice to place a loved one in a nursing home, there are important factors to consider to ensure the care is excellent and that everyone is comfortable they’ve made the best choice.
Think about these things when you look for a nursing home for a loved one.
Visit the Facility
Go to the facility and take a tour. Pay attention to the environment and the attitude of the staff. You should intu- itively feel warmth and safety. Your visit will also provide clues about the general atmosphere and morale of the residents. There should be lots of natural light, cheerful colors, bright wall art and hints of laughter from the staff and patients.
Focus on the cleanliness, staffing lev-
els and the appearance of other res- idents. Is the air fresh and free from unpleasant odors such as urine, feces and stale food? Are there enough nurses and attendants on duty? Are residents appropriately dressed? Do they seem clean and freshly bathed? Bring the prospective resident along for the tour. This facility may become home. Your loved one deserves to have a voice in selecting the facility. Feeling welcomed are cues that this could be a positive living experience. Socializing is important. Are there opportunities for residents to meet each other? Regular activities such as music and crafts or an outdoor area for enjoying the sunshine will en- hance quality of life.
Most nursing home facilities are hap- py to provide a tour of the building. Once you see the environment, ask for a consultation with a staff mem- ber. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and address special needs of the prospective patient. Possible questions might include availability of physical and occupa- tional therapy, accommodation of patients’ doctors’ appointments out- side the facility and access to barbers and beauticians for the residents. Talk with Others
You might have a chance to talk with a relative of a patient who is currently living in the nursing home. Don’t be afraid of asking them for honest opinions about the facility.
Query them about the staff and quality of care received by the residents. Solicit their input on whether you should place your own loved one in this facility. These relatives are usually eager to share their experiences with you. Hearing their impressions will help ease your own anxieties about this important decision. Ask the Doctor
If you are still unsure about your decision, or if you have reserva- tions about the facility, discuss the matter with your loved one’s primary care physician. This pro- fessional should also be able to recommend good nursing facili- ties in your area.
The doctor may suggest additional fa- cilities not on your original list. When your loved one has special needs, the doctor will know which facility or center can best meet these require- ments.
Deciding to put a family member or loved one in a nursing facility is nev-
er easy. Carefully weigh the expec- tations of your family member with your impressions and the recommen- dations of others.
This is one of life’s most difficult deci- sions. Taking the time and doing the research will result in a better quality of life for your loved one and peace of mind for yourself.
Our commitment to caring
At Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation, our commitment is to provide quality health care and positive patient outcomes. Some of the comforts and services that our guests enjoy include: Designated short term rehab wing including private suites * with private bathrooms and private dining facilities Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy Long term care services including numerous daily activities and appetizing menus designed by registered dietitians.
By focusing on quality care for our elders we offer:
• Medication Safety • Fitness Plans to Help our Elders Stay Healthy • The Right Foods for Healthy Hearts and Life
*Private suites based on availability
2002 Timberwood Rd., El Dorado
For more information please stop by for a personal tour or call us at
8756
870.863.8090
We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most long term care insurances