The Pitfalls And Misinformation Of Eldercare

Today, there is much information when it comes to selecting quality home eldercare. At blue sky scrubs, we would like to suggest to simple ways to identify the real, quality services when it comes to choosing quality care. Relying on misinformation can lead to some highly undesirable results, and this article will explain why.

Trust Your Instincts and Your Nose

It's advice you have heard from everyone. The danger in this is that it is often difficult to judge the quality of the facility by this alone. After all, nursing home administrators are keen to this, and they are particularly sensitive to unpleasant odors in any area that might receive visitors. Almost all will do their best to remove offensive odors as quickly as possible, even when it means avoiding their primary responsibility to their residents.

Recommendations From Friends

Again, this could be a big mistake. Many so-called "experts" will tell you that the very best way to find great nursing home care is to get recommendations from a friend. Like other myths, there is a grain of truth here, but you must check whether your friend really understands the inner workings of the facility that he or she is recommending. Often, this is not the case. Just as if you were buying a new car, you wouldn't solely rely on the advice a friend. You'd want to drive the care first and check out all of the reviews before making a big decision.

Money Talks

And nowhere is this adage more true than in the choice of nursing care. In fact, its probably the most important thing to keep in mind -- along with another truism -- "Caveat Emptor" or "Buyer Beware." Research shows that of more than 7000 nursing homes and more than 100 assisted living facilities there is no relationship between money and quality care. You may find quality care in an a high-priced facility, or you may not. Similarly, the fact that a facility is on the lower end of the cost spectrum does not necessarily mean you'll get low quality of service. Bottom line: do your research. You can't rely on cost alone as a determining factor.

A Bunch Of Staff Means Quality Care

Simply not true. A recent report by the US government shows that quality care for a single nursing home resident requires more than three hours each day of nursing and nursing aide time. However, statistical study of the latest federal database on nursing home problems shows no correlation between quality of care and the number of people working on staff. This is also in line with a number of universities that have conducted similar studies.

What To Seek In Nursing Home Staffing?

There is a level below which nursing homes are so understaffed that they simply can't provide the level of care required for a quality environment As a simple rule of thumb, look for facilities that can provide at least two hours of care per day per patient. For levels greater than this, you should look not on the number of hours available for care but on the motivation of staff available to assist the patient. Those who are motivated to care for the patients will eagerly go about their daily tasks. Caregivers in it for the money, will inevitably show their true colors.

So, there they are -- some important aspects of common misinformation in looking for quality eldercare. How do you go about it? Simple. Do your homework. With a little research and using the tips in this article as a guideline, you'll be able to find a facility that fits all of your needs.

The blue sky scrubs™ Home Healthcare Series

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