The prospect of placing a loved one in a senior care home is something that most people are reluctant to consider at first. It is natural to want them to be able to live comfortably and safely in their homes whenever possible, as this allows them to hold on to an element of independence. For this we can use providers like Care For Family to provide in-home care or assistance when they need it. However, there does come a point when we have to admit that our aging parents may need 24-hour professional care.
While it is a tough decision, giving yourself the time to research available options and find a care home that meets your parents’ needs will certainly make things easier. To make things a little more straightforward, we’ve made a list of five important considerations you may want to think about when deciding on your parents’ future accommodation and care:
Location
When considering a care facility for a loved one, location should be a driving force behind your decision. It is important for family and friends to be as close as possible to the care home in order for everyone to be able to visit frequently. While an hour-long drive might not seem like a big deal, imagine having to do this after a long day at work or in the event of an emergency.
The Available Services
Every care facility you come across will offer a different set of services, so it is key that you find out what will be provided at each home. For instance, some residential care homes such as Longhouse offer respite services, in which seniors pop in just for the day. Other facilities will only offer long-term care solutions. There are some services that are essential for meeting the residents basic needs, whereas other services are geared towards improving the quality of life.
The Quality of Staff
It’s important to get a feel for the type of people working at the facility. After all, these are the people that will be in charge of your loved one’s care. Take note of their professionalism, attitude and expertise. Feel free to question key staff before making a decision.
Choices
Remember that moving into a care home won’t be easy for the elderly. In fact, it can be quite scary, especially if they feel like they are losing control of making their own choices. While an aging person may not be able to do everything the way they once did, they should still be allowed to exercise control over the areas which they are still mentally and physically capable of dealing with. For example, choices of what they’d like to eat and the activities they’d like to participate in should be left up to them.
Reputation
While there is strict legislation that governs the conduct of old age homes, it doesn’t mean that incidents of abuse and misconduct still don’t occur. In fact, there are many well-documented examples of this. You’ll want to ensure that the home has a good reputation. Speak to other people who have had elderly relatives placed at the home, or check online reviews to get an idea of the type of experience your loved one could have.
Finding a care facility where your elderly parent will be safe and properly cared for is not a straightforward task. However, if you are willing to invest time in doing the research, you should be well-placed to make the right decision.
