Nursing homes are found in nearly every community throughout the United States. Many people are hesitant to place their elderly loved ones in nursing homes, or long-term care centers, because they fear that their mother, father or grandparents may not receive adequate care or attention. While nursing homes have come a long way, improvements can still be made to offer the best in care, with special attention given to quality of life and dignity issues for the elderly.
Nursing Home Quality Initiative
At the head of the list of quality measures being examined are pain management and prevention of pressure ulcers. Measures to ensure adequate education and training of certified nursing assistants, nurses and other nursing home support personnel will ensure that residents of such facilities are consistently monitored.
Quality of Life Issues
Offering residents of nursing homes adequate activities and access to services, such as beauticians, barbers, banking, entertainment and outdoor activities, are only a few of the focal issues addressed in long-term care centers. Encouraging a sense of belonging and well-being may be achieved by offering a variety of activities and options to residents depending on their acuity and physical ability levels. Outdoor excursions, access to community events and longer visitation hours often provide residents with an apartment-living lifestyle that still offers round-the-clock care and medical monitoring. The availability of religious and spiritual as well as political and civic groups and activities is also an important aspect in addressing quality of life issues for those living in nursing homes.
Choices
Most people want to make their own choices. Those living in a nursing home should be no different. Choices about when to get up, when to go to bed and when to eat are just a few of the key elements in the drive to improve the nursing home experience. Being able to decide on dining and activities enables a sense of dignity and self-esteem that cannot be overlooked.
Tags: nursing homes, nursing home, care centers, living nursing, long-term care, long-term care centers, Nursing Home