Selecting a retirement home is an important decision. It is essential to look for a community where you or your loved one can live peacefully and have their needs catered to, both now and in the future.
You need to consider several factors before deciding on a retirement home, such as your (or your parents’) needs and expectations and whether the retirement home will be able to deliver on those requirements.
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Why is choosing the right retirement home important?
First of all, choosing the right retirement home is largely a matter of personal choice and preference. A resident should have the final say regarding whether a retirement community is best suited for their lifestyle.
As well, if the resident has any additional care needs, it is important to find a retirement home that can cater to those needs and offer different types of care, such as assisted living or memory care.
Therefore, it becomes imperative to find a home that can provide good care and service almost every single day. Not only will it eliminate the need for frequent shifting but also induce a homely feel.
What to expect at a retirement home?
Here are some things that you can expect at a retirement home:
Capable staff
Retirement homes should have well-trained and capable staff who are thoroughly assessed regarding their abilities to handle the residents and people-related concerns. As well, they should undergo a thorough background check.
The staff should also be proactive in organizing nursing care plans and events. This ensures all-around assistance to every need and requirement of the residents.
The staff’s interaction with the residents, including how much care and respect they show them, should be considered. This is why it is important to choose a reputable retirement community.
Safety and maintenance
To make sure that the residents have an enjoyable and comfortable stay in the retirement home, it should be well-maintained, hygienic, and attractive.
Almost all retirement homes have a crew responsible for maintenance who generally follow a fixed schedule for maintaining the residence.
Safety should be the priority, and the resident’s room should be checked for safe and appropriate equipment, appliances, and furniture. A well-maintained retirement residence provides a sense of relaxation and safety and keeps the residents engaged.
Food and meal plans
The food and meals offered at the retirement home must be well-balanced with a proper diet and variety. Three meals a day is vital, and snacks should also be offered. This is important to maintain physical and mental well-being.
The retirement home should also be able to cater to different diet plans and needs, such as a low-sodium diet.
Activities available
Staying active is important for residents in retirement homes, and this is not just limited to physical activity and mobility. When searching for a retirement home, it’s crucial to look for a place where the residents can continue to be their active, social selves.
The retirement home should offer multiple engaging and varied activities, including the mind-rejuvenating ones that keep the residents active and alert.
Moreover, the activities and events should be regularly organized and updated to enhance and encourage socialization and interaction. An activity director should be placed that will oversee all the activity plans and events, from game nights to group outings and more.
On-site care and assistance
This is perhaps the most important aspect when it comes to choosing a retirement home. After all, attending to the health needs of the residents is one of the major reasons why people turn to retirement homes in the first place.
The retirement home should have a care plan centred around the residents’ needs and requirements.
Easy to connect
Retirement home management should be available and transparent in answering all your queries. You can ask them to guide you through their activity and meal plans, offered services, and facilities provided. They should be easy to get in touch with and should respond to questions within a timely manner.
When consulting and answering questions, the retirement home should be able to provide you with well-informed answers regarding visiting hours and rooms, whether the residents have a say in choosing where to stay, and provisions for facilities such as reading rooms.
Endnote
Choosing the right retirement home for yourself or your loved one is a big decision, and it should not be taken lightly. Try to get the entire family involved and go through multiple inspection reports and necessary licenses of the retirement home in question before making any decisions.
Pro tip: Converse with existing residents of the retirement home as they can give you a detailed and unadulterated insight into the retirement home’s operation and prudence.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
