When it comes to choosing a nursing home, many factors must be taken into consideration. One of the most important is the nursing home location, specifically its proximity to an elder’s family members and existing social network.
Moving into a nursing home can be fraught with worries and fears. Many seniors worry about becoming isolated from their spouses, siblings, children and grandchildren. That’s why it is important to find a nursing home that is close enough so that visits by family members can be as easy as possible. If the nursing home is more than a half hour drive away, it may be too far for frequent visits from children and siblings who work full time.
When a senior lives close to family and friends, visits can be a frequent event and help the senior feel that they are still connected with the people they love. Family members can also easily check up on their loved one and watch for signs for depression or abuse.
A great nursing home that is hours from friends and family may not be the best choice for a senior. Make sure that when you are reviewing a potential nursing home that you put a big premium on its location.