Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is a complex decision with numerous factors to weigh. To familiarize yourself with a potential senior health care center, take a tour and make note of the look and feel of the facility. To learn what you should pay attention to as you make your visit, check out the following guide. 

What to Look for While Touring a Nursing Home

1. Accessibility

Being able to stay connected with your loved one’s healthcare team is a top priority. Whether it’s in person or via phone or email, a proper health care center should be accessible and open to questions—regular communication establishes trust with your loved one’s caretakers and helps ensure they receive optimal care. Note the number of staff members you see present at the center and ask about their turnover rate. A quality nursing home will have satisfied staff who have been there for many years. 

2. Recreation

Take note of dining and recreation rooms on your tour. Are there homey touches like seasonal decorations and monthly birthday boards? Do you see seniors enjoying organized activities and each other’s company? Ask the center’s recreation director what’s on their calendar of events and how many residents typically participate. They should list a good variety of choices that offer mental stimulation, social events, creative activities, fitness, entertainment, and religious worship. This will ensure your loved one has a well-rounded living experience. 

3. Care

Different senior centers will offer their own menu of medical care and philosophy of service. Ask about their approach to topics like end-of-life care, pain management, and specialized treatment like dementia care. It’s important to ensure your health care ideology aligns with the senior health care center’s practices, so your loved one receives the proper care. 

4. Environment

While you walk around, take in your surroundings and get a read on the environment. Is the facility clean, full of natural light, and well-maintained? Tour the grounds and take in the landscaping—are there benches, gardens, and walking paths for residents to enjoy the outdoors? Take note of red flags like stained carpets, out of date decor, foul odors, and general signs of disrepair. If the environment doesn’t reflect the kind of place where you’d want your loved one to reside, don’t question your instincts—avoid that facility. 

When your loved one needs extra support throughout their day, reach out to a qualified care center like Englewood Health Care Center in Monroeville, AL. They empower their residents to live independently while receiving all the medical, dietary, and social support they need to be healthy and happy. They provide 24-hour care from professional physicians, RNs, CNAs, LPNs, and compassionate staff members, who each make keeping your loved one safe their top priority. Visit the website to learn more about their facilities and programs or call (251) 575-3285 to schedule a tour.