Poor hygiene, residents being sedated with medication, pungent urine odors: time and again, there are reports of disastrous conditions in retirement homes, where many elderly people spend their twilight years. Since, according to the Federal Statistical Office, around 16 percent of the over-60s in Germany live in retirement homes – and the trend is rising – relatives of millions of senior citizens are faced with the choice of a suitable facility every year. With the desire to spare mother, aunt or grandpa trauma and offer quality of life. Daniela Angerer, facility manager in Grafenau, gives three essential tips on what to consider when choosing a senior facility:
Information online and on site
Who has nothing to hide and great care offers, shows that too. „Thus, interested parties can often already select the facilities via the website or social media channels,“ advises Daniela Angerer, head of the senior living Grafenau in sponsorship of the Social Service Society of the BRK. Relatives can also access official quality checks from the medical service of the health insurance companies online, for example at pflegelotse.de. „A checklist of things that are important to you can help with the shortlist,“ the facility manager knows.
Afterwards, the expert advises an intensive on-site consultation. „Again, it’s great if relatives bring their checklist and written-down questions,“ says Angerer. That helps guarantee an informative exchange, she adds. It’s not just the personal needs of those in need of care that should be clarified. Nursing homes must also be able to transparently present and explain costs and contract terms. „It’s better to ask too many questions than too few. And you can also be critical,“ says the facility manager. After all, everyone involved knows that the well-being of a loved one is at stake. „Good facility managers always take enough time for that.“
Transparency and competence
„Take a close look at the nursing home. Especially in everyday situations,“ recommends Angerer. In doing so, it quickly becomes apparent whether the work is carried out in a caring and hygienic manner. A close look should fall thereby not only on the circumstances of the premises, but above all on the inhabitants. „If they seem apathetic or frightened, that’s not a good sign,“ says the facility manager. What transparent facilities also make possible: Interested parties can ask residents for their opinions. Transparency should also prevail in the facility kitchen. A test meal is thus possible in respectable homes. „In addition, the togetherness of the nursing staff plays a major role.“ After all, where there is a positive working atmosphere, interaction with residents tends to be friendlier.
„As far as possible, a good home accommodates residents‘ wishes and needs,“ the director elaborates. For example, relatives are allowed to stay overnight in the Grafenau senior living facility if the resident wishes. The offer is gladly taken up and shows families that the facility has nothing to „hide.
Self-determination in everyday life
„Every person is individual – even in old age,“ Angerer knows. Reputable homes therefore give their residents freedom – for example, in designing their room or personal daily routine. „The favorite chair can determine whether a senior feels comfortable,“ explains the manager, who places great value on self-determination. After all, being in need of care does not automatically mean being incapacitated. Habits and preferences can also be maintained in the nursing home. „If a lady likes to sleep in, we don’t wake her up at seven o’clock,“ says Angerer, adding, „What seniors can still do themselves, they should do themselves.“ Otherwise, there was a risk of physical and mental deterioration or even depression.
