As the loved ones in our care age, there are many new topics and challenges for us to learn about. Once the decision has been made to place a loved one in a nursing home, the next question is inevitably: How do I choose the right nursing home? This is more than just a temporary place for your loved one to reside, it’s the place that will be their new home. It needs to provide a sense of community, along with the care that your loved one requires. The decision can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you begin the process of researching long term care.

Environment

Picking the right nursing home is all about finding a place that will feel like home for your loved one. When looking at facilities, it’s easy to notice whether someplace is well-kept or in a state of disrepair. But amidst the search for cleanliness, people often forget to evaluate that sense of home. A facility that feels cold and sterile can give your loved one the sense of being in a hospital.

In addition to a warm atmosphere inside, you want someplace where residents have free access to a well-kept and inviting outdoor area. Going outside is freeing, and can provide a great boost to mental and emotional well-being.

If you get lost on your visit, take note. If a facility is difficult to navigate, it can be a constant source of stress and confusion to your loved one. Excessively long hallways and a lack of personal decorations on the doors make it difficult to navigate without assistance. A place where residents can find their way, where they can access the outdoors at will, and where there are areas inside for them to relax and visit with family and friends is a place that can go from “nursing home” to “home.”

As you search for the right nursing home for your loved one, it’s a good idea to start researching long term care financing as well. If you have questions, or if you’d like to schedule a tour of The Woodleigh of Baton Rouge, give us a call at 225-272-1401.