Have you ever worked with someone who is inexperienced? It can be quite frustrating. Imagine if it occurred when you’re facing a life-changing decision. When it comes to finding a safe new home for an aging loved one, many factors come into play. How important is it to consider the experience of the senior care homes on your list?
Experience can be defined as knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what one has observed, encountered, or undergone. It can also be defined as the process of personally observing, encountering, or undergoing something.
Hundreds of senior care homes open or change ownership or management every year. In amongst the Administrators who operate these properties are the new kids on the block and the veterans of the industry. What should steer your decision?
The “veterans” have the experience from years of their own observations and encounters. They’ve likely worked with a wide variety of care needs. They know what they can and cannot handle, and they have a good understanding of the services available to their residents.
This does not mean you should immediately discount newly licensed homes or first time administrators. Many new homes are wonderful. The staff is motivated to make a difference in the industry, and they’ve truly done their homework to determine how they can raise the bar in senior care. Some have been opened by nurses or caregivers with years of experience who want to try their hand at opening their own facility. However, new providers may shy away from high care cases while they get used to the industry. On the other extreme, they may offer more than they can provide because they don’t yet realize how much is involved in the work.
So, if you are at a point where selecting a care home for your loved one has become a necessity, how should you choose? If your loved one’s care needs are extensive, it may be better to pursue locations with more experience. If your loved one is requiring basic care, don’t be too quick to write off these newer homes. In either case, it is important to visit the locations, meet the Administrator, have them assess your loved one, ask honest questions about how they will be able to meet your loved one’s needs. Being in the business for decades doesn’t guarantee a home will be right for your loved one. Communication will go a long way in helping you determine which places are viable options.
Care Placement has been serving San Diego for over 10 years. We know the reputations and experience levels of many of the senior care homes in our area because we visit them frequently and are constantly gathering feedback from persons we’ve helped in the past. Contact us if you’re looking for a provider in the San Diego area. We will walk you through appropriate options in your area to help you determine which places would be appropriate.