Many people hope to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Sadly, when that becomes impossible due to health or safety concerns, choosing a good care facility is sure to top the list of what to do next.
To help make this difficult decision easier, familiarize yourself with the qualities of a good care facility. Knowing what to look for will empower you to make an informed choice and help you differentiate between high-quality facilities and places you should avoid altogether.
Make sure to consider the following checklist:
Respect for Residents
- Residents are treated with respect, no matter what their physical or mental condition.
- The staff is friendly, caring, and supportive while providing the required care.
- The staff calls residents by their first names, not cheeky nicknames.
- The staff respects the resident’s privacy. For example, they knock on doors before entering and provide clear communication of all procedures.
A Variety of Activites
- There is a plethora of social, physical, creative, and educational activities available that appeal to all residents.
- Interaction with people outside the facility is encouraged, like community groups that bring pets or perform music.
- Group activities for outside events is commonly planned.
- Residents are actually busy with things to do and places to go within the facility.
Attractive and Tasty Food
- Well-balanced, attractively prepared meals are available and served in a pleasant setting that also promotes social interaction.
- Special meals to accommodate residents’ diet and health problems—as well as their religious and ethical needs—is available.
- Staff monitors residents’ nutritional intake and promptly notifies family members and/or physicians of poor eating or difficulty eating.
Comfortable Surroundings
- Every effort is made to keep the facility as home-like as possible.
- Residents can bring furnishings and family pictures from home to decorate their rooms.
- The addition of a resident-kept garden can help make people feel more at home and encourage them to spend time outdoors
Safety and Cleanliness
- Hallways and doorways are lit and clear of obstacles that can cause injury.
- No semblance of odors, like urine or feces.
- Residents are well-groomed.
- Resident quarters are hygienic and orderly, including the bathroom.
- The facility has a protocol for infection control.
Visitors Welcomed
- Families, friends, and other potential residents are encouraged to drop in anytime (within reason of course) to see that there is nothing to hide.
Amenities
- Beauty salons and barber shops can provide residents with a higher sense of well-being if they take pride in their physical appearance.
- Readily available Internet access allows people to keep in touch, stay up-to-date on current events, and watch movies.
- Attractive seating areas, artwork, and interior plantscaping lends to a more pleasant environment.
