Nursing Home: A warm and supporting home for the twilight years
A nursing home is a unique residence complex, intended for the elderly that need assistance in everyday actions, as a result of a diminishing capacity of their physical or cognitive functionality. Many have concerns over moving to a home, but for others it is the best solution to keep the best quality of life in their elder years.
The difference between a nursing home and an assisted living home
It is important to distinguish between a nursing home and an assisted living home. An assisted living home is intended for elders who are relatively active with social and cultural affairs. On the other hand, a nursing home answers to more complex needs and is suited for elders who cannot take care of themselves in full capacity.
Who needs a nursing home?
Elders who need a close nursing care, may need to move to a nursing home.
Common medical conditions that require nursing care:
- Fatigue: Elders who suffer from a serious cognitive diminishing that affects their ability to execute everyday activities.
- Alzheimer’s: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes loss in memory, thinking, language skills and physical abilities.
- Parkinson: A neurodegenerative disease that causes shakes, muscle problems, difficulty in standing and walking.
- Additional medical conditions: Stroke, head injuries, chronic diseases and others.
The services rendered in a nursing home:
- A professional medical and nursing staff: Physicians, nurses, nursing nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers.
- Personal nursing care: Assistance with everyday actions, such as bathing, eating, dressing, mobility and more.
- Medical treatments: Medicine, medical monitoring, physiotherapy and occupational therapists.
- Social and Cultural activities: Lectures, workshops, trips, social events and more.
- Dining Services: Nutritious meals adjusted for personal needs.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Services: keeping a clean and safe environment.
Geriatric rehabilitation in a nursing home
Many nursing homes offer Geriatric rehabilitation plans, whose purpose is to improve the physical and mental functionality of the participants. These plans include physiotherapy treatments, occupational therapy and more.
Social and enrichment activities:
Nursing homes of quality, invest in social and enriching activities, intended to improve the tenants’ quality of life and to encourage a feeling of belonging and social connections. These activities can include lectures, trips, social events and more.
Quality of life in the twilight years:
A good nursing home can be a warm, supportive home for the elderly and assist them to keep a high quality life in their progressive age.
The services rendered and the social activities contribute to the feeling of safety, welfare and contentment of the tenants.
Choosing a nursing home:
Choosing a nursing home is an important and meaningful decision. It is important to choose a home that is suited to the personal needs of the elder, from a medical and social viewpoint.
Parameters for choosing a nursing home:
- Location: Closeness to family members and friends.
- Reputation: Recommendations, reviews and image.
- A Medical and Nursing staff: Professionalism, experience and personal care.
- Services: Nursing treatment, medical treatments, social activities and more.
- Living conditions: Size of the rooms, level of furniture and cleaning.
- Cost: Suitability to the family budget
A high quality nursing home can be an excellent solution for elders who need treatment and personal assistance. It is important to choose a home that suits the personal needs of the elder, while taking into consideration the location, reputation, medical and nursing staff, services and living conditions.
A few more items of importance:
- Cooperation with family members: It is important to involve the family members in the process of choosing a home and accepting their opinion.
- Visiting a home: It is recommended to visit the home before taking the decision, to consider the atmosphere and staff.
- Talking with tenants: Talk with the tenants in the home and get their opinion.
- Listening to the elder’s wishes: it is important to listen to the feelings and wishes of the elder and choose a home that will provide him with warm care.
The effects of moving to a nursing home:
The transition to a nursing home can be difficult for the elder and for his family. It is important to prepare for the transition and assist the elder to acclimate to their new environment.
Tips for acclimating in a nursing home:
- Regular family visits: it is important that the family members will visit the elder frequently and give emotional support.
- Making social connections: encouraging the elder to make social connections with other tenants in the home.
- Participating in activities: encouraging the elder to participate in social and cultural activities in the home.
- Patience and understanding: it is important to have patience and understanding for the elder during the acclimation time.
The challenges of a nursing home:
Nursing homes deal with many challenges. Among them are:
- Shortage in staff: Shortage of nurses, nursing caretakers and a medical staff.
- High workload: Having a high workload on the staff can affect the quality of the treatment.
- Cost: high costs of nursing treatments can be a heavy financial burden on the elders and their family.
- Loneliness: A feeling of loneliness and depression among tenants.
Summary:
A nursing home can be an excellent solution for elders who need treatment and personal assistance. It is important to choose a home that is suited to the personal needs of the elder, while taking into consideration the location, reputation, medical and nursing staff, services and welfare conditions.
It is important to remember:
- The transition to a nursing home can be difficult, but it is important to prepare for it in advance and assist the elder to prepare.
- Nursing homes contend with many challenges, but it is important to choose a quality home that will put an emphasis the quality of treatment and tenants’ welfare.
