Deciding on moving your elderly loved one to a nursing home can stimulate powerful emotions for you and your parent. Such a decision is always made after a long and thorough consideration. No one wants to be separated from their loved one, but sometimes several situations force it to happen. However, you have to take the necessary measures to make sure that the aged care facility is the best solution for you and your parent. You can pose some questions to the prospective aged care homes to confirm that it is the right place to send your parent to and to ensure that you put them in the most suitable and proper facility. Here are several questions you need to ask before you make the decision.
- Do they have special care and facilities?
Sometimes, the most fundamental reason for nursing home placement is because it can accommodate the medical needs of elderly loved ones. There are particular facilities and care that you can’t afford at home because of the cost. Meanwhile, a nursing home usually provides all those needs. Do not hesitate to ask whether they can meet all your requests regarding preventative treatment, medical support, counselling services, and other requirements that are important for your parents. Ask about how they handle the residents in terms of emergencies and how they notify the family. You can also directly survey the facilities and equipment’s condition in the nursing home.
- How do they put up with meal requests and preferences?
The elders tend to have personal dietary requirements due to their health state. Therefore, it is important to get a guarantee from the nursing home that they will serve specific menus to cater to those meal requirements. If they are not able to accommodate those food requirements, you should ask what kind of solution they offer. Will they allow you to send home-cooked meals or special catering for your parents? It is critical to inquire about this issue, particularly if your parent is very selective in terms of food or has specific dietary needs.
- How is their policy regarding visitors?
Another fundamental piece of information that you need is visitation regulation. Do they have a strict policy regarding the visiting hours and the number of visitors? Some nursing homes may limit the frequency of visits because they don’t want to interrupt the residents’ comfort and privacy. Ask them whether you should arrange an appointment first before visiting your elderly loved one or you can come at your convenience as long as it is still during the visiting hours.
- What kind of activities are available?
Aged care facility usually offers many leisure activities that the residents can join, for instance playing chess, journaling, meditation, dancing class, etc. Ask and check the choices available so your parent can enjoy their time and also make new friendships with other residents.
The decision on which aged care facility is best for your elderly loved one should be made after a careful and thorough assessment. Ask as many questions as possible to a Richmond nursing home and other alternatives, so you can find the one that will answer and cater to all your concerns and needs for the well-being of your parent.
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