We only want the best care for our older loved ones. When it comes to finding the right aged care facilities, it is not just about finding the best facility and equipment, what is important is knowing that they are cared for with love and kindness by professional experts.

As our loved ones enter their senior years, their capabilities and their needs change. Most of the time, staying in their own homes is not in their best interest. Especially if they need all-around care and supervision. More often than not, they will need a home that will provide the appropriate care for them.

The decision to transfer a loved one to an aged care facility can be very hard. The thought that you are giving strangers access to your loved ones can be quite daunting. This is why choosing the right aged care provider is very important. But where do you start?

Find Out What Your Loved Ones Want

Ask them what their wishes and wants are for the new home they will live in. It is important to involve them in the selection process or at least get their opinion. This will make them feel special and not feel like you are shoving them away somewhere and then forgetting about them.

Getting them involved will show them that you care for them and that you only want what’s best for them. Some factors most elderly people look for in an aged care facility are:

• Swimming pool
• Garden
• Recreation area
• Ample outdoor space
• Friendly staff
• Reliable medical staff
• Clean rooms 
• Fun activities, etc

Most of our older family members do their own research as they grow close to retirement. Chances are, they already have a place in mind or at least they have an idea of a place they want to be in.

Factor In Their Needs

What type of care do your loved ones need? This will guide you in finding and choosing the right aged care provider for them. For the elderly with low care needs:

• Make sure there is enough care staff on duty all the time so there are people who can check on your loved ones and give them what they need and want 24/7.
• Verify by asking for reviews and consult your loved ones doctors, and make sure that the care staff are highly-trained and skilled to manage and assist your loved ones.
• Make sure there is a nurse who visits once or twice a week. It is also a plus if there is a nurse on-call in case of emergencies.
• Make sure that the care staff are fully trained and equipped to handle your loved one’s medical needs and conditions. It’s common for elderly people to suffer from dementia, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

For the elderly with complex care needs:

• Make sure that the care staff are fully trained and equipped to handle your loved one’s complex medical conditions. They should be able to handle and track medication and nutrition intake.
• Make sure that there is a registered nurse at the facility all the time.
• Make sure that your loved ones have access to medical professionals, especially doctors on a regular basis.

What Type of Home Is It?

Today’s home care facilities are mostly geared towards a home-like environment. This is good for the elderly because it gives them a sense of home and doesn’t make them feel like they are in a hospital.

Avoid settings that seem sterile and bland and look for the more homely and cosy type of homes. Setups like this are a much more pleasant environment and are more conducive to healing and enjoyment.

Check The Rooms

Find out where their room will be located and then consider the following:

• How far is their room from the dining area and other facilities?
• Is it wheelchair-friendly?
• How easy can they get around?
• Are the rooms clean?

Activities

Does the aged care provider allow enough fun and interesting activities that will keep your loved one’s minds active and avoid boredom? One of the main benefits of a retirement village is that there are some great activities to keep your loved ones busy. This includes activities like:

• Social gatherings
• Bingo
• Bus outings
• Movie screenings
• Games
• Outdoor activities
• Gardening
• Baking, etc

Check Their Dietary Provisions And Processes

Most elderly people have special dietary needs that they have to strictly adhere to avoid health complications. Make sure that the facility you choose can provide for your loved ones dietary and medical requirements.

Spiritual Needs

Some loved ones may be religious and will need a space where they can pray and flourish spiritually. Check for aged care providers who have a space or groups where they can practice their faith.

Location

Is the facility near you and other family members? More than the facility itself, your loved ones need to have a relationship with you and your family members. That is their most important need.

Therefore, it should be easy for you to visit regularly. Choose an aged care provider that is conveniently located near you.

If you are looking for the best-aged care provider for your loved ones in Melbourne, please come and see our facilities at Iris Manor and find out for yourself how good our place is for your loved ones.

Please call us today for an appointment on 1800 983 363 or send us an inquiry.