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Nursing homes have become a common place to take care of elderly people when they are frail. Apart from providing basic nursing care, it is important to make sure that the residents are getting a decent quality of life.
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We have previously compared home care and institutional care. Here in this blog, we will discuss the tips for improving the quality of life for elderly individuals in nursing homes.
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Functions of a nursing home
In general, nursing home serves a few common functions, some of these have advantages over a home care environment. For examples:
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- Foster social connections
By creating environment or opportunities for elderly people to socialise through group activities, events, outings, etc. This can keep them mentally and emotionally stimulated, prevent social isolation, promote friendships and connections among the residents. - Provide individualised care
As the elderly ages, the care plans need to evolve according to their individual needs. Trained personnel can provide regular assessments and personalised care plans to match the preferences and abilities of the residents. - Create a homely environment
A nursing home provides the residents a comfortable living space through incorporating personal belongings and familiar items. Often, proper consideration on lighting, colours, decorations, and furniture arrangement can create a calm and inviting atmosphere to the elderly people. - Encourage physical and mental stimulation
Many nursing homes also emphasize on maintaining health and well-being of the seniors. Aside to physical activities like walking, chair exercises, or yoga, there are also various mental stimulating activities such as puzzles, games, or educational programs.
Ways to improving the quality of life
Since nursing home is an option for elderly individuals to live in, it is important to make sure that they are getting the best possible care. Some tips for improving their quality of life in nursing homes are as below:
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- Encourage more socialisation
Socialisation is essential for elderly individuals, as it helps to keep them mentally and emotionally stimulated. Nursing homes should offer a variety of activities and programs that encourage socialisation, such as bingo, games, and group outings. - Listen to residents’ concerns
It is important to listen to the concerns of residents and address them in a timely manner. This shows that their voices are being heard and that their needs are being met. - Involve families in care planning
Families play an important role in the lives of elderly individuals. Nursing homes should encourage families to be involved in care planning and decision-making. - Promote independence and empowerment
It is important to help the seniors to maintain independence in their lives, encourage them to make decision, and provide them the autonomy to decide whenever possible. This can be done by providing them personal time, and through activities like gardening, art, hobbies, and even activities of daily living.
How else can a nursing home do it better?
A nursing homes can create a more positive and supportive environment for elderly individuals. This not only can improve their quality of life, but also make their time in a nursing home more enjoyable. Here are some additional tips that can be helpful:
- Provide opportunities for physical activity
Exercise is important for elderly individuals, as it can help to improve their physical health and mental well-being. Nursing homes should offer a variety of physical activities, such as walking, stretching, and tai chi. - Promote good nutrition
Elderly individuals are at risk for malnutrition, so it is important to make sure that they are getting the nutrients they need. Nursing homes should provide healthy and appealing meals that meet the nutritional needs of their residents. - Provide access to technology
Technology can help elderly individuals stay connected with their families and friends, as well as access information and entertainment. Nursing homes should provide access to phone, computers, tablets, and other devices. - Avoid using restrainers
Every elderly should be given respect and dignity as a person, nursing home should by all means avoid using restrainer that is inhumane and insulting to the seniors.
Conclusion
As much as we want to improve the quality of life of the elderly in the nursing home, we should also look at the issue in another aspect. In today’s society, staying in nursing home is a common phenomenon when people gets old, many adult children tend to admit their aged parents to nursing home even though they are still ambulant and healthy. This should not be allowed by law or by morality, only elderly people who really requires special care needs (where family members are not capable to provide) should be given priority.Â
