The process of finding a nursing home in a nutshell
Introductory conversation with the family
The need to find a nursing home arises after a person deal with a temporary or continuous crisis manifested in a functional and cognitive decline, deterioration in medical condition, loneliness and incompatibility of the home and its conditions in light of the new situation.
The process begins with a meeting with the family and an introductory conversation in order to understand the medical background, the functional and cognitive status, the condition of the person prior to its hospitalization, and other requests. This will guarantee that all relevant data will be considered in order to fit the optimal framework.
In this introductory conversation, it is important for me to know in depth the life in which that person was accustomed to in order to adapt for him the solution that allows him to preserve as much as possible, his lifestyle while continuing to his old habits.
Identifying the need and demands of the patient and his family
In this stage I am putting an emphasis on some main parameters:
- The level of assistance the person need – assisting in bathing, dressing, serving food, feeding, providing medicine.
- Preferred atmosphere / environment – some will prefer a pastoral and green environment, and for others, an urban environment will be more suitable.
- Geographic location – I check whether it is important for the family that the location will be close to the person's previous home or to its child resident – which will make visits easier.
- Other needs that are addressed – size of the rooms, level of equipment and the number of people in each rooms, the quality of physiotherapy system, the medical services offered in the place, the possibility of social connections, cultural activities etc'.
Mapping of places with the family and the patient
After understanding the needs and requirements, we can move to the next stage, mapping of the options.
Here I present to the family all the options within which the needs and requirements can be provided.
In this procedure, I am making sure to convey in-depth and comprehensive information about each of these places – the location, the staff, the pros and cons and more.
After narrowing down the options, I begin having discussions with the managers of the relevant institutions in order to obtain the most favorable payment terms.
Exercise of rights
As part of the professional service to which I am committed, I will carry out a thorough clarification of the issue of exercising the rights, a procedure that begins with a comprehensive acquaintance with the elderlies and families. A set of questions will be transferred and based on the findings, I will provide the family with accurate information regarding the rights to which they are entitled.
I accompany, guide and assist in all matters concerning the exercise of rights until full realization.
Visits to the relevant institutions
The stage of visits to the various institutions – when, it is paramount importance to schedule guided tours in order to get the full picture of each of the places.
I accompany the families on tours and make sure to bring them together with the nursing staff, the manager, the tenants and professionals.
During the tours, the family members get to see all the complexes and important areas – the rooms, dining room, public areas and more.
Providing support
I am aware of the fact that moving to a nursing home or sheltered housing, is a significant and not an easy step for both the elderly and his family members.
It is very important for me that the process goes through in the best and most pleasant way possible and therefore, I will make sure to be available and provide support throughout.
It is important for me not only to understand the needs and requirements "on paper" but also to know in depth those in front of me, understand their concerns, the things that are important to the and, of course, give appropriate weight to all relevant factors in choosing the right place.
From a broad look at the process, I will emphasize that even after finding the right framework, I will make sure to be in touch with the family and follow through on the elderly's acclimatization in his new home.
The final stages of the process
As stated, the end date of the process is not set and I am committed to being available to the family even after finding the appropriate framework.
Sometimes, new needs and different requests can arise and I am always available here to heat them and help fulfill them.