Identifying the best nursing home for your loved one can be a long, arduous process. Don’t fear, we are here to help!
Firstly, recognize that you need to identify the best fit for your loved one. What works for someone else may not work for you and your loved one.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Make a list of priorities
What is important to you and your loved one? This could include:
· Location
o How close is it to your home or workplace?
o Is it easily accessible?
· Food
o Does it cater to your loved ones’ preference in cuisine?
o Does it cater to your dietary requirements?
· Activities
o Does the nursing home organize activities like mahjong, puzzles, board games, sudoku?
o Does the nursing home celebrate birthdays and festivals?
o Are there group activities to foster senior friendship?
· Staff
o Are there certified nurses visiting daily?
o Are the caregivers trained?
o Do they have customer satisfaction staff that speak the primary language of your parent?
o Is there a doctor on-site or on-call?
· Fitness
o Is there complimentary physiotherapy provided to the residents?
o Is individual, specialized physiotherapy available?
· Facilities
o Is the living environment comfortable?
o Is it too crowded or dense?
Step 2: Make a list of constraints
It is important to be transparent about the constraints you face, which may include:
· Budget
· Location
· Medical treatment requirements
Step 3: Do your research!
Search online, speak to friends, and get on social media! Use your priorities from Step 1 and constraints from Step 2 to help narrow down a few choices.
Step 4: Call and Visit
Make sure you view the facility before making any decisions. If you are not physically present, you should ask for photos or videos of the facility. Speak to the customer service representatives openly about your priorities and constraints so that they are able to find the best solution for you.