Choosing a care home for a loved one might be one of the toughest decisions a person will ever take. When a loved one requires home care, it means they’re in a vulnerable state and need additional help and care. When it comes to finding the perfect care home, various popular alternatives like assisted living and nursing care homes are available. However, a personal care home is an excellent option that offers more than just assistance.
You may be wondering, “what are these personal care homes, and how do I pick the best option for my loved one?”
If you’re struggling to make a decision, we’re here to help! Here is some important information to help you with your queries.
What is Care Home?
Personal care homes give your senior loved one home-like surroundings while also providing round-the-clock guidance and support they need. Personal care homes, unlike nursing homes, provide support with everyday life responsibilities and offer programs and enriching activities that allow the elderly to be as productive as possible. This includes assistance with cleaning, clothing, personal grooming, medication, communication, and necessary laundry needs, to mention a few.
Additional services given by facilities can differ significantly, so make sure the care home matches your loved one’s needs and requirements. When it comes to picking a personal care home, their services and programs aren’t the only ones that need consideration.
A long-term care facility won’t just accommodate your elderly loved one but also need to assist the visiting family members, so it should meet your and your family’s needs as well. Consider these additional seven factors when searching for home care services to make life simpler for you.
Abbey Manor is a personal care home that provides you with individualized care in a home setting. We believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity and respect, and their staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care possible. We believe that they are tailored to meet your unique needs, as they offer a variety of amenities to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible. We know that the decision to move into a personal care home is not an easy one, but we hope that you will give them the opportunity to show you what makes Abbey Manor the best choice for you.
Top 7 Factors of Choosing Best Home Care Service
1. Active Online Persona
Exploring the websites of care facilities you’re interested in, as well as following them on social networking sites, is a great way to discover more about their goals and ongoing operations. With growing competition and facilities opening up across the country, you may find it difficult to decide who to pick.
Despite there being several digital marketing solutions for the healthcare sector, many institutes and facilities lack when it comes to their social media and online presence. However, modern facilities that understand the role of online presence set themselves apart from the competition and stand tall.
Consistent online presence is a significant component in identifying a good facility; it shows they care about the audience and are ready to engage and interact. You can rest assured of your loved one’s safety at all times and stay updated on activities and events through social media profiles, live streams and regular status updates.
2. Geographical Location
Another key factor to think about is the location. The home should be at a location that allows you to visit your loved ones regularly. It must also be close enough to other immediate family members, so access is easier in case of an emergency.
It’s also vital to evaluate the care home’s location to see whether your loved one is familiar with the location or not, as familiarity can provide a great deal of support. The geographical location of the care home is critical since it affects how often friends and family members visit. Occasional visits can help the patient’s psychological and emotional well-being.
3. Services Provided
Although they all offer long-term care, different care homes provide various ranges of services—including medical facilities—, so it’s essential to find to see which facility matches your loved one’s needs.
While certain services are critical for satisfying the patient’s unique needs, others are crucial for improving the quality of their life. The food and eating experience, for example, has been found to have a significant impact on the care home patients’ overall satisfaction. As a result, before concluding, you must always pay a visit to the home care during lunchtime. During your visit, check to see if the seniors have the opportunity to select from a range of food alternatives. Inquire about particular dietary needs and whether or not healthy snacks are available when residents need them.
4. A Warm and Friendly Atmosphere
Don’t choose senior care home purely based on how it looks on the outside. Instead, visit the entire facility to see if it has a lively and bright living environment. Instead of looking like lifeless hospital wards, the rooms should be for long-term care and must have a pleasant vibe. Consider care homes to be similar to houses and apartments, where you may go about your daily routine and socialize with your neighbors. Rooms should be nice and comfy to make residents and their guests feel more comfortable. You can also inquire if patients are allowed to bring personal items into their rooms, such as family photos.
Other than that, residents should have access to basic facilities such as the library, canteen, dining hall, and other areas, all of which contribute to a more welcoming environment. Patients’ interaction with their families is also crucial for their general well-being. High-quality eldercare facilities encourage patients’ families to visit frequently and demand the involvement of family members through interactive programs and activities, allowing residents to spend quality time with their family and friends.
5. Skilled Staff
Senior care home with sufficient staffing is also crucial for your loved one and the quality of care rendered. The best senior living homes have a high patient-to-staff proportion, preventing caregivers from becoming overworked.
Besides considering the size of staff, observe employees in action during your visit. Keep an eye on how they deal with residents and whether or not they respect their privacy and dignity. The way the staff interacts with the patients tells a lot about them and the facility.
Do staff workers, for example, knock on the door before entering any room? Is the staff concerned about the residents? Do they do their duties with a friendly attitude?
You want your loved ones to be a part of a positive, energetic setting where they feel cared about by those around them. Is the staff at the facility giving you that vibe?
The staff members must also be well-versed in their respective fields to handle both clinical and non-medical situations.
6. Accreditation and Reviews
The state issues licenses to senior care homes. When comparing personal care homes, make sure the facility is licensed by the state and follows all of the state’s regulations and standards. Although accreditation isn’t necessarily a show stopper, it does reflect that the facility has gone above and beyond to meet The Joint Commission’s (previously known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals) criteria (JCOAH).
While a license is important, it cannot be the only factor to consider while looking for a place. The license assures that the facility follows the necessary regulations. Selecting a care facility is a hard call, so also check third-party reviews to see if the care facility you are thinking about follows through on its promises.
7. Patient’s Safety
When searching for the best senior facility, one of the most important factors to consider is safety. Prioritize their security at all times. Here are some important security elements to check for:
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Entrances and exits robust
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Smoke detectors
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Surveillance cameras
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Hallways with railings
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Push-buttons for emergencies
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Lighting in the passageways
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Accessible entry and exit for disabled patients
A facility with outstanding security protocols can generally make your loved one feel safe and protected. It also gives you peace of mind to know that your family is in good hands. If you’re doing phone interviews or in-person visits, be sure the facility is safe.
Bottomline
Consider how different care facilities make you feel when you communicate with them. Start by looking at their websites and see how you react to them.
It’s a major decision you’re about to make, and it’s natural to be nervous about it. After all, taking care of yourself or a loved one is a serious affair that requires time and effort. Do your research, follow all of the suggestions mentioned above, and have a positive mindset. You will soon select the most suitable care home for your loved one.
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