Dementia and nursing homes
My mum has dementia and we are looking at placing her in a nursing home. Do we have to put her in a dementia specific home? I don't think she would benefit from being in a secure ward. I've visited a few and they are too depressing. Are there any alternatives? What is the most important thing to look for?
There are some organisations out there providing dementia specific care without the stereotype nursing home environment. If you google Dementia specific residential care and your area eg Sydney and click (pages from Australia only) it will bring up information on each organisation, you can usually bring up a map to see where the facilities are and if they are high or low care. They also usually have photo's so you can get a feel for the environment - is it home like or nursing home like. It's also a good idea to visit 3-4 facilities before you decide on one.
Unfortunately many nursing homes were built years ago with little thought into good design. Depends really on what is important to your mum. My dad was put in a nursing home when his dementia progressed. We had little choice at the time and it wasn't appropriate. Dad likes to wander. He also prefers company and his room was a long way from the nurses station and the lounge so at times I felt like he was very isolated and forgotten. Secure wards can be great if they are big enough and allow for wandering but they can feel claustrophobic. Look for a home with wide corridors as trolleys and people can fill a space very quickly. If she has to share a room find a place with a garden or space for visitors so you have a change of scenery. And most important find a room close to a toilet!!
Most of the time instincts will guide you. Try looking at lots of nursing homes and keep in mind that you will be visiting often so a facility close to home will be easier. If the staff appear happy then chances are they like the work place and will treat the residents well. Lots of staff hanging at the nurses station isn't in my opinion a great sign especially when residents are left alone to watch a TV show they are not interested in.
Add your comment