Nursing homes: important factors when choosing a home for your loved ones!

The Third Age

The elderly, or the so-called "third age," slowly arrives with the completion of 60 years of life. Although each of us has a spirited grandmother or grandfather, full of youthful energy and cheerfulness, old age is still, with all its beautiful and less beautiful moments, probably the most uncertain thing in life.

For those who reach their later years and retirement in good health and surrounded by loved ones, the "third age" mostly represents a period of mental well-being and peaceful reflection.

However, besides the wisdom and tranquility that come with age, old age often brings a heavy burden of loneliness, illness, and reduced ability to live independently.

Even when it is not about serious health problems, older people often require special attention. Whether it is physical assistance in basic life activities, professional medical care, or simply companionship and conversation during sometimes idle retirement days, elderly days can be difficult and demanding, both for the grandparents themselves and for their loved ones.

Considering the fast pace of life and the lack of conditions and opportunities to adequately dedicate ourselves to our loved ones, it is clear why nursing homes are becoming a solution that families are increasingly choosing.

Moving to a Nursing Home - A Delicate Decision

However, placing one's elderly in a nursing home, although often a rational and mutually beneficial decision, is by no means an easy one. Many people become more sensitive with age, find it difficult to change their habits, become nostalgic, unusually attached to their "comfort zone," and generally resist any changes in their routine. The thought of leaving the space where they have spent most of their lives and embarking on a new beginning in their later years is often extremely difficult and stressful, and the line between understanding that we want to help them and the fear of abandoning them is very thin.

It is true that in some cases, when their health is compromised, their ability to function independently is limited, and circumstances leave no other choice, the elderly themselves become aware of the inevitability of moving to a nursing home. Without wanting to burden their loved ones, they accept the reality and the fact that it will be easier for everyone if they make the decision themselves or simply accept their family's rational decision.

On the other hand, due to the extreme delicacy of such a decision and the significant life change it entails, we ourselves are sometimes unsure whether placing our loved ones in a nursing home is the right thing to do. Feelings of guilt are often present in such situations, creating an uncomfortable sense for both parties involved.

How to Choose an Adequate Nursing Home?

However, when we find ourselves in a situation where the placement of our loved ones in a nursing home is inevitable, we should make every effort to ensure that this change is as "painless" as possible for everyone involved.

Adjusting to the new environment and way of life will largely depend on the personal satisfaction of the new resident of the nursing home. Here are some conditions and factors that can contribute to making this process smoother and satisfying for all:

LICENSE

When choosing a nursing home, whether it is a state or private institution, it is important to first verify that it holds a valid operating license issued by the competent ministry, in this case, the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans' Affairs, and Social Affairs. Only a licensed nursing home guarantees that the residents will be treated and cared for in accordance with the Law on Social Protection.

MEDICAL TREATMENT AND HEALTHCARE

Since the medical condition of the elderly and the need for constant healthcare are the most common reasons for moving into a nursing home, the quality of medical services should be the most important factor in choosing a nursing home. Depending on the health condition of the elderly person, ensure that the desired facility provides all medical services, examinations, tests, treatments, therapies, and has necessary medical aids available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ACCOMMODATION AND COMFORT

Since your elderly loved ones will practically continue their lives in the nursing home, it is crucial that they feel comfortable in their "new home." Unlike traditional gerontological centers that often resemble hospitals, modern nursing homes are equipped with comfortable single or double apartments and rooms, with their own kitchens and bathrooms, providing the much-needed sense of tranquility and comfort.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

If you want your elderly loved ones to feel good in their new environment, apart from comfortable accommodation and expected medical services, the professionalism of the staff employed in the facility is an important factor. This includes doctors, nurses, technicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, chefs, maintenance workers, and janitors.

LOCATION OF THE FACILITY

An important, but not decisive factor in choosing a facility. The ideal location would be one that is far enough to provide necessary peace (especially in urban living conditions), yet close enough to allow relatively frequent visits from loved ones and easy return home during weekends or holidays when families are usually together.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Regardless of age, every human being needs social interaction, and perhaps even more so for the elderly. In addition to establishing relationships with other residents of the facility, it is crucial that there are organized social activities within the facility to keep your loved ones entertained and happy. Whether it's group walks, organized outings, birthday celebrations, cultural and artistic programs, chess, crochet, or something else - it's not of crucial importance. What matters in this case is entertainment, social interaction, and a sense of belonging.

PRICE

Although the last factor, it is certainly not the least important when choosing a nursing home. On the contrary, in most cases, it may be crucial. While state-run nursing homes are more financially accessible, waiting lists can be excessively long due to limited capacity, which forces you to turn to private nursing homes. Depending on the conditions they offer, prices in private nursing homes vary from around 300 to even 800 euros per month.

The process of choosing the right nursing home is not easy at all. Along with all the factors mentioned above that should be considered, it is always important to take into account the recommendations of those who have experience in similar situations.

Therefore, be patient, because the time and effort you invest are certainly a small price to pay compared to the well-being and peaceful remaining life that you can provide to your beloved parents, grandparents, or elderly family members by choosing the right home.