The nursing home that you choose for an elderly loved one should be a robust facility with many different services and resources for residents to take advantage of. What kind of services and resources can you expect from a good nursing home? Check out the pages in this section to learn more.
Medical and Non-Medical Services
First of all, consider that a good nursing facility will offer both medical and non-medical services. Obviously, you want the home to offer medical services such as access to medical professionals, medication, and medical equipment. Those are usually reasons why someone is looking into a nursing home to begin with. But a home should offer other services as well to assist residents with everyday tasks as well as their mental and emotional health. This page outlines some of the medical and non-medical services that a nursing home should offer. Some non-medical services should include activities such as outdoor activities, clubs, organizations, religious resources, and more. Particularly in warm months, residents should be able to walk outside, garden, exercise outdoors, and more.
In addition, nutrition is a vital part of a nursing home. The home should not rely on cheap, processed foods to feed the elderly. The elderly should have access to healthy foods and a balanced diet. Food can be a powerful helper in dealing with disease, illness, and strengthening the immune system. Nursing home residents should have access to these benefits that come from healthy foods.
Working with Staff
Your family should make sure to work with nursing home staff to make sure that your loved one is getting the care that they need. Good nursing homes will develop individual care plans for each of their residents. These plans outline what each resident needs in order to stay happy and healthy. If you are not sure if your loved one has gotten a specialized care plan, ask the staff. It is also important to make sure not only that a care plan is created, but that it is followed. Issues of neglect and abuse can arise when care plans are not properly followed. You can help the nursing home staff by providing important information about your loved one. This might include their medical history, their health insurance, and more. Communicating with the home can prevent medical errors that are easily avoidable.
Staff Requirements
Finally, consider these nursing home staff requirements that those in your loved one’s nursing home should follow. Nursing homes need to follow state requirements and make sure that they are not understaffed. In addition, the staff should be adequately trained and should continue their training in order to stay up-to-date on care and medical information.
These are just a few of the resources and services that a good nursing home will provide for their residents. Check out the pages in this section to learn more about these services and resources. If you have questions about a nursing home you are considering for a loved one, or a nursing home that you have chosen, an attorney can help. We are happy to review your situation and help you determine if a nursing home is a good fit for your elderly loved one.