In various countries, a large number of elderly people live in care houses, adult family houses, and personal care centers- all are just different names for addressing what is simply an old age home. Living in an old age house should neither be considered as a hint of dereliction from the children’s part nor should the elder people feel deserted at least. The main reason behind the increasing need for old age homes is that the elderly get better medical help and better care along with constant qualified supervision.
As you consider the appropriate home for your older family member to live, what is most important is to consider the level of care and professionalism that will be given by the caregivers that work at the facility. Try to never use the phrase “old age home” with your loved one. Often this has a negative connotation associated with this word. It is important to consider the mentioned below 8 things before deciding on an old age home so as to get the best facilities.
- Before you make up your mind on this process, it is advised to get consent from all the family members involved.
- It is better to make a clear list of all your needs and requirements for now and expectations for the future.
- Set your budget. The residential options are similar to buying a property (usually valid for a lifetime and later will revert back to old age home after the person’s demise.) There will also be a monthly component in the process. So, make sure you consider these recurring costs and the one-time costs involved.
- Check if the home offers social, physical, emotional and spiritual needs for the person who will be living there. For instance, old age homes like soins palliatifs à domicile in Montreal offer all of these in the most efficient way possible and set a good example for the other home care centers as well.
- Never go by others’ opinions. Make an effort to visit the place personally, analyze every facility closely, and make sure that your close ones will be content and happy in that surrounding.
- Converse with the people who are already residing in that home. See if the staff are friendly and if they restrict you from talking to the residents. If they do, this should be taken as a negative sign and an investigation should be made before you place your family member there.
- Go through all documentation very carefully.
- If possible, request for the elderly person to stay there on a short term basis before finalizing anything. If they like the place, go through the paperwork and keep a copy of all important documents and the receipts.
Make sure that the person who is going to stay there is fully content with the facilities and the environment as every person holds the right to go ahead and say “No” to staying in an old age home even without giving any sort of justification for it.