Quality of Life for Nursing Home Residents

Article submitted by Jeff Jerebker, CFO, Pinon Management.

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a complex and too often an agonizing problem. Of course, the big question is what to look for in a nursing home. While many advocates, regulators, and providers have their own perspective on what constitutes a good facility, the true test is finding a Nursing Facility that offers each resident the same quality of life they had at home.

Many people attempt to study Department of Health survey results or read marketing brochures to find the right choice of facilities.. While these are certainly items to look at, there is no substitute to an actual facility visit.. Primarily the survey process only reflects a particular moment in time. What the facility is like in the present is in all likelihood completely different then what is reflected on the survey.

So what to look for? For today's residents, it is important to find a holistic approach. Obviously, the first things to observe are housekeeping odors (if any), quality of food service, and nursing staff. I refer to these as the basic elements of quality of care. Unfortunately, this is where it ends for most families. They make their decisions based only on the basics.

The Quality of Life experience for the nursing home resident is one that offers many choices and life experiences. Nursing Homes today have a Wellness focus are offering many alternative therapies such as dance, art, music, aroma, massage, in addition to exercise and rehabilitation services. Imagine seeing yoga, Tai Chi, creative movement and even walking clubs that log their miles at a Nursing Facility. Many facilities also provide pets, intergenerational programs, gardening, cultural outings to museums, concerts, and shopping and have special options for family involvement such as family dining and e-mail contact with grandchildren. Today's nursing homes have changed and the programs and services are designed for resident and family satisfaction. These are important indicators of a Quality of Life environment in a Nursing Facility, which makes all the difference in the world!