The guide for choosing a nursing home


This moment when the understanding that it is time to act and find an alternative living solution for the elderly parent or relative, is a complex and difficult moment.
The difficulty can be felt both by family members and by the elderly himself (depending on his level of immersion). After that understanding permeates and sinks in and a decision is made that there is no other choice but to take this step, the next step will be to be careful and choose the most appropriate framework for that elderly person.

Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels


Anyone who starts looking for a nursing home will discover that there are different types of nursing homes, among others: long-term nursing homes, nursing homes for the elderly, nursing homes for the self-employed, and nursing homes that include different designated departments. Of course, next to the nursing homes, there is also the option of assisted living - this option is mostly intended for independent elderly people, who have the money to finance the solution in question.

So how do you choose a nursing home?


As mentioned, in the first stage, it is important to reach an understanding regarding the type of appropriate framework - the understanding should be based on the physical and health condition of the elderly, financial capabilities, etc.
In the next step, it is recommended to emphasize the full requirements and needs of that nursing home, among other things: geographic location, living conditions (in nursing homes, usually 2 or more residents share a room), what is important to have in that nursing home, the amount of the budget that can be allocated for the purpose (and whether There are options for receiving financial assistance in financing living in the nursing home) and more..
In the next step, you should try and search for as much information as possible regarding the optional nursing homes - as we know, in recent years quite a few difficult stories have been heard about nursing homes throughout the country and for this reason, the recommendation is to collect recommendations, find out information about the professional staff of the place and, of course, schedule a consultation meeting and conduct a tour Instead - and if there is an opportunity to talk with tenants, you should also take this step.
Beyond that, it is important to find out all the details about the quality of life in the nursing home: about the services offered, about the activities, about the medical services, about the nursing staff (and if it consists of professionals who have graduated from programs Nursing studies), about the meals served at the place and, in fact, any other detail that can provide the full picture of the place.

Receiving external professional advice


Those who have difficulty choosing a nursing home - here it is important to emphasize that in many cases families are forced to find a suitable setting in a period of a few days (for example, cases where the elderly person is supposed to arrive at the setting immediately after hospitalization), can use the help of professionals for the purpose.
It is possible to contact a placement consultant for nursing homes, who specializes in this subject. Such a consultant will often provide his services free of charge and will be able to assist the family both in locating the appropriate retirement home and in finding relevant financing solutions. Of course, it is important for those who wish to use this service to make sure that the chosen consultant is a professional and experienced consultant and, no less importantly, objective - which will ensure that he has no interest in making the family choose a particular nursing home, regardless of its type and degree of suitability to the elderly's needs.
Here it is important to note that even if you choose for the purpose a consultant who can be trusted and even with your eyes closed, the recommendation is to make the decision only after a thorough examination of all the options offered.

Choosing a nursing home is, as mentioned, a complex procedure, both in the emotional aspect and in other aspects - where the goal will be to find the best and most suitable residential solution possible. At the same time, understanding the needs and requirements, an in-depth review of all the options offered and, if necessary, receiving professional external advice, can chart the way towards a correct and good choice, which strives to improve the standard of living of the elderly.

כתבה זו היא תוכן מקודם בשיתוף האקדמית ת"א-יפו.