Qualities to Look for in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Most aging adults hope to live in their own homes for as long as possible. However, seniors become vulnerable to a number of health concerns as they get older, and some require the compassionate care of a skilled nursing facility in their golden years. Often, the need for senior rehabilitation comes unexpectedly after an aging family member falls or is diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and is released from the hospital. 

When emotions are high and time is short, choosing the right skilled nursing facility can be difficult. However, there are some specific qualities you can look for that will help you make a swift and informed decision. 

Comfortable environment

The transition from home to a skilled nursing facility can be challenging. However, a facility that makes every effort to provide a warm, home-like environment can make this emotional move a bit easier. Pay attention to the quality of furnishings and common areas. Note whether residents are allowed to bring personal belongings and pictures of their family to decorate their rooms. 

Healthy and tasty food

The food in a senior rehab center should balance nutrition and flavor to provide residents with appealing options. If possible, tour a facility during mealtime to look at the menu and see the food that’s served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Does it look appetizing and nutritious? Do the residents seem to be enjoying the food? Does the facility offer special meals for residents with dietary restrictions?

Lifestyle and amenities

An excellent senior rehab center should go above and beyond rehabilitation and skilled nursing care to provide a variety of amenities that make a resident’s stay enjoyable. Yoga classes, birthday celebrations, live music, group outings, and salon and barber services help make residents feel good. A positive mindset can help a senior recover from an injury or illness more quickly.  

Therapy options

If you or your loved one is in senior rehabilitation for an injury or illness, the types of therapy available will be one of the most important factors in your decision. If you have COPD, for example, you’ll want to select a skilled nursing facility that offers pulmonary rehabilitation. A good senior rehab center will develop a customized plan of care for each resident depending on his or her needs and functional goals. 

Compassionate staff

A senior rehab center itself is just part of the equation. The quality of care provided by the staff should play a large role in your decision. During your tour, take note of whether the residents are treated with respect. Is the skilled nursing staff friendly, kind, and supportive while interacting with residents? Do they respect patients’ privacy by knocking on doors before entering? These are small, yet significant signs to look for when making your choice. 

Are you searching for a senior rehab center in San Diego?

Whether you’re looking for a place to recover from an illness or injury or a new permanent residence, you should have a good feeling about the place you decide to call “home.” If possible, tour the skilled nursing facilities on your list unannounced to get a true feel for what each has to offer. At Bella Vista Health Center, we’re confident you’ll feel comfortable and at ease in our recently remodeled facility, complete with chef-prepared meals, a variety of opportunities for socializing, and all the conveniences you need under one roof. 

Call Bella Vista Health Center today to learn more about senior rehabilitation at our skilled nursing facility at (619) 644-1000. 
 

Nursing Facilities: How They Can Help You Achieve Better Health and Happiness

Nursing Facilities: How They Can Help You Achieve Better Health and Happiness

For children with aging parents, deciding how mom and dad will receive the long-term care they need can be overwhelming. In many cases, elderly parents are hesitant to leave the comfort of their own homes to live in an unfamiliar place, making the situation even more difficult. However, transitioning to a skilled nursing facility could be the very best option when it comes to their quality of life, socialization and overall well-being.

In the past, seniors who moved into a skilled nursing facility hoped and expected to live in a place where they would feel safe and cared for. Today, there are many options available for long-term care that promise a lot more than that. In fact, research has shown that living in a skilled nursing facility is often more beneficial to seniors than living alone, as communities have broadened their offerings to provide fun social activities, chef-prepared meals, and concierge services.

There are so many ways a skilled nursing facility can help ensure better health and happiness for your loved ones. Here are just a few of the services to look for when selecting their new home:

Nutritious meals

Proper nutrition is an important aspect of health, rehabilitation, and recovery. A skilled nursing facility will provide three balanced, nutrient-rich meals to residents every day that are tailored to the changing health needs of seniors.

Physical activities

Exercise becomes increasingly important as we age, offering benefits like pain management, improved balance, and increased energy. To help residents stay healthy, many skilled nursing facilities offer yoga classes, gym equipment, and even personal trainers. 

Salon services

For many seniors, maintaining their outward appearance is important for boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Some skilled nursing facilities offer salon services with in-house beauticians and barbers to meet their guests’ needs without having to leave the facility grounds.

Social activities

Living at home can be isolating for an elderly parent, and social relationships become harder to maintain with age. Skilled nursing facilities offer planned social activities and outings such as knitting clubs, movie nights, special performances, field trips and Bingo to keep residents happy and healthy.

Rehabilitation services

Skilled nursing facilities provide residents with rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. These programs are designed to help aging adults alleviate pain, carry out activities of daily living and care for those who have trouble with communication.

Make yourself at home

At Bella Vista Health Center, we often receive calls from adult children looking for a skilled nursing facility for their aging parents. We understand that choosing a place where your loved ones will feel safe, comfortable, and cared for can be emotional, so we ease the process by providing a nurturing environment where residents and guests always feel welcome.

We invite you to visit us at our location in Lemon Grove to see how a skilled nursing facility can help your aging parents achieve better health and happiness in their golden years. Once you meet our compassionate, professional staff, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.