Seeing a loved one’s health deteriorate is never easy; if and when the time comes that they need a great deal of help, tough decisions must be made. The decision to move them into a nursing home in Lakeland area, or any other area around the country, is not one to be made lightly. Of course, you want to ensure that your loved one is going to get the care and respect they deserve. Here are some guidelines on what to look for when choosing a nursing home:
Reputation
Check the reputation of the facility. Have there been complaints in the past? Do you know anyone who has first-hand experience with the facility? Have there been any charges placed against employees for elder abuse, neglect or theft?
Visit the facility
The picture on the website may be completely different from what you see in person. If possible, bring your loved one with you so they can have some input as well. Is the facility clean and tidy? Are the staff friendly and helpful? Are the residents comfortable and happy? What sort of ‘feel’ do you get from being there? In these cases, instinct can be just as important as what you see on paper.
Qualified staff
While the facility may hire part time staff, most of them should be qualified as nurses, personal support workers and other health care aides. You don’t want just anyone taking care of your loved one.
Ask questions
Ask about their ratio of staff to patients; what kind of food they serve and when; what their protocol is if an emergency were to occur (your loved one needed immediate medical attention); and general activities that go on day-to-day.
The nursing home in Lakeland that you ultimately choose should give you peace of mind that your loved one has the highest level of care possible.
