If you are looking for a nursing home for a family member there are some key points to keep in mind while evaluating these homes.

How clean is the home? Are the public restrooms clean? Is the dining room and recreation area maintained? Unsanitary areas, especially public restrooms, will be a strong indication to what the rest of the home will be like.

What is the staff like? Are they friendly? Are they willing to answer your questions? Talking with the staff will take a few visits to get a feel for them, however this is well worth the time to ensure that staff will be taking care and attending to your loved one properly.

What are the dinning menus? The menus typically are created a month in advance, make sure that they are nutritious and cover the food groups properly.

Are their activities and events? Make sure that any nursing home offers stimulating activities to keep your loved one’s mind active. There should be plenty of mental stimulation and very little of leaving loved ones sitting unattended for hours on end.

Is there plenty of accessibility within the home? Are tables spaced far enough apart? Are doors wide enough to fit through? You want to make sure there is enough room for a wheelchair, walker or cane. Check to make sure that they can navigate through the home easily without any problems.

Does the home have ample medical equipment? Are they using the latest technology? You will want to make sure they have the equipment and training to take care of your loved ones specific medical needs.

Lastly, inviting family, friends as well as your loved one that will be staying there, to evaluate homecare or nursing services will give you a better overall impression and make choosing the right one much easier.

You can find out more information at the NHFA which provides elderly care advice as well as at the counsel & care website.