It can be difficult for family members to take care of a loved one diagnosed with dementia but it also won’t help to bring them to a nursing home that provides the minimal level of care.
Dealing with such an issue is a highly emotional process, one that family members will need to think about carefully considering their loved one’s unique needs. Without careful planning, there’s a good chance of dealing with a nursing home that has a poor track record in terms of senior care.
As a family member of an elderly patient with dementia, you will encounter numerous options within and around your location and some of these may not live up to the expectations you’ve set. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to single out a nursing home that has the best amenities and features that could help make your loved one’s stay comfortable and convenient.
Here’s a simple guide on how to choose a nursing home that supports your loved one as they struggle with the effects of dementia.
How To Choose a Nursing Home for a Loved One with Dementia
1. Understand what dementia care involves
Some nursing homes are more suitable in caring for elderly patients with dementia than others so you will need to know whether a few of these possess all the right facilities.
For the most part, you will know if a nursing home is ideal for dementia care if it has staff trained in that field. Other than that, you will need to check if the environment where the home is situated features open green spaces and accessibility features.
It’s also a big plus if the place allows for personalized care packages and treatment plans that cater to the unique needs and situation of your loved one. By knowing what quality dementia care involves, you will know exactly what to look for in a nursing home that your loved one will like.
2. Evaluate nursing home options
It’s not enough to know about the dimensions of dementia care. You will also need to check each option and compare their prices and features. For the most part, you have options for a nursing home or a retirement community that allows your loved one to live independently but with adequate staff support.
Some nursing homes may also offer memory care facilities that allow residents to socialize and take part in structured activities. No matter the case, you wouldn’t want to choose the first name you see in the online search results. Take a closer look at each option and narrow down your options from there.
3. Learn about a nursing home’s track record
The least you could do to your loved one with dementia is have them endure living in a nursing home that has been the subject of numerous complaints in the past. Any retirement facility could claim that they’re “people-first” or “adding a human touch to science-based care,” but it pays to dig deeper and find out if the option you’re considering has a tainted reputation.
Do a quick background search and look for news items showing that the nursing home has been the subject of lawsuits. It’s also important to ask other people who have dealt with it and see if it has committed illegal acts. If so, you might as well look for a different facility and, if you must, learn how to anonymously report a nursing home for abuses that haven’t been reported yet.
4. Ask for recommendations from people you know
In any case, the safest way you can search for the best nursing home for your loved one is to ask people you trust for recommendations. After all, they’re not in the business of suggesting a facility they’ve had a bad experience with. They’re likely to push for a facility that offers quality care for your loved one.
Through this, you won’t have to waste time trying to figure out if the nursing home has had legal problems. With qualified recommendations, you won’t have to make any second guesses as you put your loved one’s needs foremost in your mind.
Final Words
As you spend time doing research to choose a nursing home for your loved one with dementia, remember the above tips. Rest assured that you will find one that exemplifies quality care.