Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is a stressful time for everybody. With the prevalence of elder abuse, it is absolutely paramount to do due diligence when making this decision.
However, even beyond the realities of abuse, you will also want to look for a place where your loved one will find happiness and comfort. According to the AARP, you should stay close to home if possible, and also beware the “chandelier effect.”
Keeping it local
It is always better to choose a nursing home that is in the same area that your loved one previously lived in. This will mean that your loved one likely has the highest likelihood of frequent visitors. Seniors always do best with frequent visitors in nursing homes, whether from family or friends. Removing a senior from his or her social circle can cause damage.
However, if there are no highly-rated nursing homes in your loved one’s local area, you may need to widen the search. It is always better to prioritize good care at a nursing home.
Looking out for “chandeliers”
The “chandelier effect” involves the supposedly-fancy look of a nursing home. Even if a nursing home looks high-quality, that does not mean that the care is actually top-rate. It is good to spend some time getting to know a nursing home before choosing it for your loved one. Try the food, do some research on the activities the home offers and make sure to observe the condition of current residents.
Choosing a nursing home can be stressful. However, if you know what you are looking for, you can help your loved one make the most of their golden years.