Finding the right nursing home for a loved one is never easy. With so many factors to weigh and needs to fulfill, it’s not the kind of decision that can be made overnight, and it’s vital to carefully research the great options in your local area. 

As you vet each nursing home, look for the following qualities:

• Accessibility: Ensure the facility has adequate ramps, handrails, and clean and slip-free floors. If it has more than one floor, check if there’s a reliable elevator. Ideally, there should also be a short distance between the bedrooms, bathrooms, and eating areas, making the facility easy to traverse for people of all abilities.

• Emergency Protocols & Equipment: Are there clearly marked fire evacuation paths on the ground? Additionally, are there enough fire extinguishers, alarms, and smoke detectors?

• Well-Functioning HVAC Equipment: If you visit the facility on a hot day, how does the temperature feel when you walk in? The elderly are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, making a nursing home’s HVAC equipment particularly important.

• Good Staff Relations: Notice how the staff interacts with each other and with residents. They should enjoy working at the nursing home and treat everyone with respect, kindness, and a healthy interest.

• Happy Residents: Do the other residents seem happy, healthy, and comfortable? If you get a chance to see the cafeteria, do they seem to enjoy the food, and are there options your elderly relative would enjoy?

• Engaging Activities: There should be a variety of recreational and stimulating activities for residents during the day. Examples include arts and crafts, music performances, dance classes, puzzles, or special guest speakers.

• Convenient Visiting Hours: Your elderly loved one will appreciate being able to visit with you and other friends and family. Ensure the facility’s visiting hours are convenient for you and others who will want to visit.

If you’re looking for a great nursing home in the East Cincinnati area, schedule a tour of family-owned senior living center Mount Washington Care Center. To get in touch, just call (513) 231-4561. More information about their long-term care and senior living facilities is available on their website.