Choose a health and rehabilitation center
&herished family members deserve the best care, especially as they grow older or need additional care. A quality health and rehabilitation facility can help parents, grandparents, siblings or other loved ones live a happy, healthy life. You will have peace of mind knowing they are receiving kind attention and care. There are several aspects to consider when picking a care center. Making the right choice means your loved ones will enjoy happiness and longevity. It will also mean less stress for family members. Take a tour of the potential facility. You should intuitively feel warmth and safety in this environment. Your visit will also provide clues about the general atmosphere and morale of the residents. There should be lots of natural light, cheerful colors, bright wall art and laughter from the staff and patients. “Visiting the facility is important because it gives the resident and family an opportunity to experience the culture of the facility,” said Ricky Griffin, administrator of Alcoa Pines Health and Rehabilitation in Benton. “A thorough tour of a facility and obtaining the pertinent information should take about an hour.” Focus on the cleanliness, staffing levels and the appearance of other residents. Is the air fresh and free from unpleasant odors such as urine, feces and stale food? Are there enough nurses and attendants on duty? Are residents appropriately dressed? Do they seem clean and freshly bathed? Bring the prospective resident along for the tour. This facility may become home. Your loved one deserves to have a voice in selecting the facility. Feeling welcomed are cues that this could be a positive living experience. Socializing is important. Are there opportunities for residents to meet each other? Regular activities such as music and crafts or an outdoor area for enjoying the sunshine will enhance their quality of life. Most nursing-home facilities are happy to provide a tour of the building. Once you have seen the environment, ask for a consultation with a staff member. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and address special needs of the prospective patient. Possible questions might include availability of physical and occupational therapy, accommodation of patients’ doctor’s appointments outside the facility, and access to barbers and beauticians for the residents. You might have a chance to talk with relatives of a patient who is currently living in the nursing home. Don’t be afraid to ask them for honest opinions about the facility. Query them about the staff and quality of care received by the residents. Solicit the relatives’ input on whether you should place your own loved one in the facility. These relatives are usually eager to share their experiences with you. Hearing their impressions will help ease your own anxieties about this important decision. “One of the best spokespeople for a facility is a current or former resident’s family or friend,” he said. “They have lived and experienced the services provided by the facility.” If you are still unsure about your decision, or if you have reservations about the facility, discuss the matter with your loved one’s primary-care physician. This professional should also be able to recommend good nursing facilities in your area. The doctor may suggest additional facilities not on your original list. When your loved one has special needs, the doctor will likely know which facility or center can best meet these requirements.