Checklist for Old Age Home

Checklist for Old Age Home

An old age home has several definitions. For the people who live in an old age home, it is a place where they can spend their sunset years with company. From a perspective of elderly-care, it is a place where seniors are safe and taken care of. Typically an old age home is a housing facility for the elderly with provision for accommodation, recreation, meals, gatherings and some level of medical care too.

Advantages of Old Age Home

Seniors would want to spend their retirement with comfort, familiarity, companionship and accessible medical care. Here are a few advantages of an old age home:  

Being independent :
Senior citizens can enjoy life without being dependent on their family.

Quality of life :
An old age home can improve the quality of life with professional help on hand.

Companionship :
A caregiver or a family member might not be able to provide the same kind of companionship that a fellow resident at a similar stage in life can.

Medical assistance :
Medical assistance available at an old age home is an advantage for critical as well as regular medical requirements.

Take a look at some of the necessary things you should consider before moving to an old age home.

Location and accessibility:
 The location of the old age home should be close by for your friends and family to be able to easily visit. There should be parking space, wheelchair accessibility, and a lift.

Activities and recreation:
 While visiting a prospective old age home, find the list of activities provided. Check if they have room for group and social activities.

Staff:
 Be sure to check out the staff to resident ratio. Also ensure that the staff is welcoming, warm and polite. The staff should be well trained and have formal training in nursing.

Hygiene and meals:
 The food should be healthy with fresh ingredients. Also check if specific dietary requirements are accommodated.

Emergency medical care:
 A senior care home should have on-call emergency medical care. The residents should have a push button to call for medical help in case of falls or other emergencies.

Costs involved:
 It is best to clearly understand what is included in the fee charged and any other additional costs that might be incurred. You should also ensure that you have the right to end the contract if services are not found up to mark, and what the cancellation charges would be in such a situation.

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