Changing nursing homes for the better

Ivan Nichols — There is a new movement being undertaken by healthcare administrators across the country: the move to change nursing homes for the better. Hallways of clinically, sterile rooms, that make nursing homes seem more like hospitals than elder-care facilities have given nursing homes a bad name. The new movement is not only an attempt to shed a better light on end-of-life care, but an attempt to make those living in nursing homes, and their families, more comfortable. Here's what's changing:

1. Personal Preference

In nursing homes of the past, residents were told when to bathe, when to eat, and when to turn the lights out – not much different than a hospital or prison. In today's nursing home, patients are given more personal preference in regards to their schedule. This personal choice gives patients a sense of independence and autonomy that is frequently lost in traditional, skilled-care settings. Healthcare administrators understand that needing care does not necessarily equate to being unable to make decisions for one's self.

2. Inclusive Language

The labeling of patients often made these people seem like objects instead of humans. "Patient" and "ward" were often the impersonal names given to those needing care in a residential facility. Following in the path of person-first language, nursing home residents are referred to by name, not illness. Respectful interactions between staff and residents are encouraged, and getting to know patients is the new norm.

3. Same Staff

Historically, nursing home staff rotated among patients, never getting to know the residents as individuals. In the new nursing home model, residents are visited and taken care of by a consistent number of staff, allowing both the patients and those caring for them to become more familiar with each other. This familiarity allows staff to get to know patients' preferences, likes and dislikes, developing a relationship that inspires more personalized care.

4. Resident Input

Who knows better how a nursing home should run than the people who live there? Traditionally, decisions were made by management and administration, without consulting residents, direct-care staff or patients' families. Today, input is sought from all of these people before major decisions are made. Staff is properly trained so that they can have input in the day-to-day runnings of the facility.

5. Housing Design

Nursing homes of the past were cold, stark buildings, often made up of multiple floors, with long hallways. It's not unusual for these floors to contain more than 50 rooms. As new nursing homes are being built, they are designed to feel like home, with several, smaller units being erected on the grounds of the facility. These smaller units are designed to make residents more comfortable and to make it easier for staff to care for their assigned patients.

When it comes to nursing homes, it is rare for people to be happy about placing their loved ones in a facility. The new model of nursing home aims to make the term "nursing home" strike better thoughts in the minds of patients and their families. Healthcare administrators, along with other professionals, are working hard to ensure that the nursing home of yesterday stays in the past.

 

About the Author

Ivan Nichols is an avid health blogger. If you're interested in becoming an health administrator, you may want to consider programs offered by Ohio University and Washington University.

Three questions to ask before choosing an elder care facility

Christy Weatherspoon — The decision to move into an elder care facility for yourself or for your loved ones can be very daunting. After living alone for so many years, it may be a difficult decision to make after building a life in one place for such a long time. Family, house maintenance, and personal safety are all things to consider when making this important decision. It's always possible to reverse such a big decision, but it's less stressful to know that what you're doing is the right thing from the get-go. The following are some tips to help decide if assisted living is right for you.



Can family and friends help?

If you are already receiving help from family and friends, you may be well enough staying in your own home with some adjustments for your comfort and safety. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren't many family members living close by and it's just too difficult to do it all on your own. The temptation may be to “wait it out” and see if things get better; but in these sorts of situations, it's always better to be proactive.

Talk to your family and friends to see if some may be able to drop by to assist you with some tasks around the home. Oftentimes, small adjustments like having someone help around the house or cook several meals a week is all that is needed. Don't be afraid to reach out to family or friends; the only way to explore these options is to ask.

Are you worried about your safety?

Are you worried about what may happen if you fell in the shower? Would you be able to get the help you needed in case of an emergency? Safety is a big concern for seniors with limited mobility. This is especially the case after sustaining any serious injury, such as a broken hip, or anything that might limit your ability to get to a place of safety. Using equipment such as a walker and wheelchair aren't always options, especially in older homes with more confined halls and doorways. Consider your mobility in making this decision. Just one accident after the age of 60 is a warning sign that you should be very careful. Injuries heal much more slowly in mature adults and should be heeded as caution to take preventative steps for the future.

Is Transportation Difficult?

During the 1950s and 1960s, many small towns suddenly increased exponentially in population. Especially in the Southwestern United States, cities exploded outward, fueled by the availability of cheaper vehicles. This means that cities are more spread out than ever. Public transportation has yet to catch up and is not as accessible as in the East. If you are unable to drive or cannot afford a taxi getting around could be a very good reason to think about an elder care facility. Trips to the grocery store, doctor, and elsewhere are necessary but nearly impossible without a reliable form of transportation. Mobility issues can make this even tougher by making access to buses and other forms of public transit less convenient.

The above questions are designed to get you thinking about basic necessities that, in the past, were non-issues but should now be thought out. Where there's a will there's a way and moving into an elder care facility isn't the only option for seniors who have difficulties associated with aging. However, the amenities of an assisted living complex can also be very inviting and big stress-relievers. Maintaining a home may just be too much work to keep living alone. There is also the companionship that comes in living close to similar folks. Keep an open mind when asking these questions and you'll be sure to find a solution that works for you.