The transition into residential aged care is a big step for anyone to make. Choosing the right senior home together with your loved one requires careful planning, and there are many factors to consider. Particularly when you want them to live a long and healthy life filled with joy, even in their later years. Fortunately, you can approach this journey with the necessary tools for a smooth transition.
Read on to discover our comprehensive checklist of essentials you should consider when looking for senior homes. With this in mind, you can support your loved one through this new phase of life.
#1. Location and Accessibility
When searching for the perfect aged care home for your loved ones, location and accessibility are key. How close are the residential facilities to family members and friends? How about medical services and amenities, such as hospitals, clinics, recreational centres and parks?
Accessibility is also an important consideration for residents and visitors alike. Convenient locations close to reliable public transportation hubs are ideal. Additionally, car parking spaces should be readily accessible for visiting family and friends.
Close proximity to friends, family and essential services can provide valuable peace of mind for your loved one. This also makes the transition process into residential aged care smoother.
#2. Accreditation and Licensing
When searching for the perfect aged care home, make sure these facilities meet industry care and safety standards. This helps build confidence that your loved one will receive quality services in this new chapter of life.
A good starting point is to check whether a senior home is accredited and licensed by the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. They also provide updated aged care home reports and other resources to support the rights of older Australians.
#3. Personalised Care Plans
Every resident deserves to be treated as an individual, each with their own personal preferences and needs. This ensures that they can maintain and honour their identity throughout this new chapter, which is crucial for mental health. It also allows your loved one to receive the particular medical support they need.
Look for homes that offer personalised care plans, such as Kew Gardens residential aged care. These are created by expert staff who work closely with your loved ones to tailor these care plans to their individual requirements. This includes developing quality routines around diet, medical needs and social activities that enhance the quality of everyday life.
Your loved one’s needs may change over time. Subsequently, a regular review of these plans is also important to ensure these needs are always accommodated.
#4. Staff Qualifications and Ratios
Staffing is a crucial consideration for your loved one’s future home. Carers and staff must be specially qualified and trained to address the particular requirements of aged care.
While technical expertise is crucial, it’s equally important to consider staff attitude and temperament. Are they patient, compassionate and understanding? Kind, empathetic carers can make a significant and positive impact on your loved one’s quality of life.
#5. Living Spaces and Amenities
Take some time to tour a range of aged care facilities before you and your loved one commit to anything. This is a big decision; it’s important to carefully assess the quality of living spaces and amenities available for residents. Keep an eye out for:
- Comfortable living quarters
- Well-maintained outdoor areas
- Recreational facilities
- Common areas that encourage social activities
- High accessibility and mobility standards
Your loved one will also appreciate spending time together as you help guide them around their future home. The practical and emotional support this provides is invaluable and will help you to navigate this new chapter confidently.
#6. Safety and Security Measures
The safety and security of residents should be the utmost priority of any aged care home. When you enquire into a senior home, make sure to request information on:
- Emergency response systems
- Secure entry points
- Safety procedures
- Staff training for emergency situations
- Medical facilities and supplies
Keep these top of mind when you tour potential aged care facilities; it may be easier to assess in person.
#7. Nutritious Meals and Dietary Options
Nutritious meals and a balanced diet are the foundation of good health, especially for older individuals. When researching residential aged care facilities, look for details about meal plans and dietary options available to senior home residents. Menus with variety and nutritional balance will go a long way to support older Australians’ well-being.
If your loved one has any particular dietary requirements or restrictions, make sure these needs can be accommodated as well.
#8. Social and Recreational Activities
For seniors, nurturing their mental and emotional health is the key to leading a holistic and fulfilling life.
Look for residential care facilities that foster a vibrant sense of community through activities, hobbies, and regular social events. This could look like exercise classes, board games and day trips to the beach with fellow residents. Group activities like these can help your loved ones feel a sense of belonging and ease the transition to their new home.
#9. Healthcare Services and Support
Health and mobility are top of mind for many, if not all senior Australians. Quality residential aged care facilities will offer easy access to healthcare services and support.
Make sure to ask a prospective aged care home about their arrangements for:
- Medical check-ups
- Medication management
- Access to healthcare professionals
- Specialised health services e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more.
#10. Feedback and Complaints Process
The ideal aged care home for your loved one can address concerns and constructive feedback with openness and transparency. This illustrates a residential facility’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.
When touring a facility, ask them about their feedback and complaints process. How easy is it to lodge an enquiry and how are concerns addressed? Will residents and their families have a chance to provide feedback and how often? Knowing that potential problems can be resolved with respect and professionalism can provide valuable peace of mind.
#11. Financial Considerations and Fees
On the logistics side, it’s crucial to understand what kind of fees and financial considerations are involved with aged care facilities. This includes factors such as accommodation fees, care fees and any additional service fees.
The Australian government also offers subsidies or financial assistance so it can be helpful to understand your loved one’s eligibility.
When you evaluate potential senior homes, make sure you are clear on their payment structures. Consider any out-of-pocket costs as well; this will help you to make confident and informed financial decisions.
#12. Resident Rights and Dignity
Finally, the best senior home for your loved one is a home that treats residents with the dignity and compassion they deserve.
Look for residential facilities that champion a person-centred care approach to aged care. This means they centre all relevant healthcare facilities, services, policies, and communication around your loved one’s well-being.
Everyone comes with their unique backgrounds, preferences and needs. Aged care services need to respect and honour these differences since ultimately, this leads to higher quality care.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the process of preparing your loved one for residential care marks a pivotal moment in your life. Factors such as location, safety, and community are just some of the things to consider when looking for a senior home. To make this transition as smooth as possible, you can refer to this checklist to help you along the way.
Your loved one will find great comfort and support from you throughout this new phase of their lives. It is no doubt a journey for both you and them, but with empathy and patient understanding, you can navigate this experience successfully.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.