Tuesday, May 13, 2014

How Spot Good Nursing Homes

By Tracie Knight


It is still a running debate whether or not assisted living is good for a patient who has special needs. Over time, nursing homes have gained a negative image because people see it as a place where the elderly are dumped when no one wants them around the house anymore. While this is true in some cases, Nursing Homes in Maine are actually facilities with expert medical staff and humane caregivers that give the best possible care to its patients.

Before choosing a facility, think it through first. There are lots of factors why people have to go to Nursing Homes In Maine, and health problems are one of them. Those with chronic diseases are obvious candidates. If your elderly can not perform or is having difficulties in the activities of daily living, then you should consider professional care.

Another reason is deteriorating mental health. If your patient is diagnosed with depression, anxiety or psychosis, it is good to consider putting him or her inside a facility. Patients that have Alzheimer disease will be cared for in special units for people with serious memory problems.

Some also choose to acquire the services of a convalescent home due to financial problems. Patients that need round the clock medical help can be taken care of in these facilities with more or less the same quality as hospital care. Rather than being confined in a hospital and accumulating very expensive hospital bills, a nursing facility is a good option.

Let us say that you have already reached the decision of placing your loved one under facility care. What you have to do now is to find the best facility that works for you. With the growing number of nursing homes in the country it takes real effort to find out which ones can really look after for lots of patients.

Location. Look at the state of the building. Check if the structure is architecturally sound and has emergency exits. See to it that it is well kept and has a homey ambiance. Check the rooms and living quarters if they indeed provide comfort and relaxation.

Visit the building unannounced. See if the surroundings are clean and if it is noisy. Check if the rooms really provide comfort. The best time to visit is during mealtime on a weekend. This way you will see the actual living conditions of the residents in the facility.

Instead of believing the word that the marketing team of the facility, talk with the caregivers and other members of the staff. By having comfortable chats with them they will give you insights on how the whole place is run. Also take the time to interview some patients and ask them how living in the particular facility has suited them.

Sending the ones you love away is never easy. Sometimes you will need to battle with feelings of guilt and indecision. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes a home could be a good option. Just make sure that the home where you entrust the safekeeping of your beloved will be able to fulfill the needs of your patient while they are not with you.




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