The time has come. Your father just cannot safely stay alone in his Kentucky home any more. Maybe his health is failing, and he needs constant medical care. Maybe he’s beginning to have memory lapses that cause you concern. Whatever the reason, you have to find him a good nursing home near your Louisville home; so what makes a good nursing home?
The Senior Health area of About.com suggests some attributes that are indicative of a high-quality nursing home.
What To Look For When Selecting A Nursing Home For Your Loved One
Caring Staff
The most important component of your father’s new home will be a competent, caring staff. When you visit a nursing home, watch how the staff members interact with the residents. Do they treat the residents with respect? Are the nursing assistants attentive? Do they seem genuinely interested in the residents’ needs and wants? Are they gentle when they assist the residents with eating, bathing, and moving around?
A Clean, Safe Environment
The nursing home should not smell of urine, feces, or vomit. Are the floors clean and not slippery? Are the rooms kept clean, especially the bathrooms? Are the sheets changed frequently? Are the walkways clear, and are the rooms free of obstacles, such as electrical cords?
How about the residents themselves? Are their clothes clean? Are they helped to bathe and wash their hair, and are they assisted with daily grooming, such as hair brushing?
A Homelike Atmosphere
This is home for the residents. Are they allowed to use some furnishings from their previous home? May they keep plants or other items they like in their rooms? Is there a garden area for residents to use if they enjoy gardening?
Activities
The nursing home should provide a variety of activities for the residents—social, physical, and educational. There should be exercise and dance classes, as well as game and movie times. Are planned group activities on the schedule? Does the nursing home invite community groups to visit?
Amenities
Some nursing homes have barbershops, beauty salons, and other personal care facilities. Does the home have a bus or other vehicle that takes residents to nearby places in the community, such as stores and churches?
Food
What is the food like in the nursing home? Is it flavorful and prepared attractively? Meals should well balanced, of course. Are there options available for vegetarians, as well as ethnic and cultural meals?
Openness
The nursing home should be comfortable with drop-in visits from family members as well as potential residents at any time—within reason. They should even encourage it.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.