Observation Nursing Home

This was my second time visiting a nursing home. But this time around it was a little different since I was conducting an interview. The first thing I observed about the nursing home was safety. When I arrived the office was located in the back of the building. As my assumption I entered the first building I seen however the door was unlocked and one of the residents told me were the office was located. Which raised a red flag anyone off the street can just walk in and have access to the residents. A second concern was before I entered the office a resident was just sitting outside by herself. Another important issue was the area. It was located in front of an apartment complex with a lot of people just hanging around. Once I was inside the
building I noticed it could have more lighting and rails for the residents. A lot of the residents kept asking for change for the vending machine. But the front desk clerk had no problem telling them she didn’t have change. Why have a vending machine on site if the residents have nowhere to get change. The positive things I observed was the attitude and care the staff showed for the residents. The staff members knew each resident personally such as their favorite activity or book. The social interactions for the residents were phemenoal. The nurse assistant had a great connection with all of the residents. She did whatever it took to keep them happy. I was surprised of the low staff to resident ratio. Even though there wasn’t a lot of residents at the facility it should be fully staffed. An emergency can come up at any time. Also, staff members need to be added to the first building. As these residents basically have to protect themselves since there not even being watched. Another surprise was most of the residents thinking I was a nurse. They were very consistent and had no problem seeing me. The facility needs a lot of improvement. I would first start off with a fence around the entire facility.
Then I would move the office to the first building or make sure staff are with the residents in the first building. The outside could be better by making things more colorful everything was black and white. Color makes things more exciting and can help residents feel more at home. Another improvement is possibly a change machine so residents are not constantly asking the front office. The last improvement is adequate lighting to prevent falls. I feel after the improvements would be made it would be a much better place. As I know a lot of families are spending their hard earned money on their loved one. The resident should have nothing but the best. The seniors came to the facility because most of their families don’t have the time to provide them with proper care, unable to live on their own or health concerns. A variety of activities are offered on a schedule such as party music on Fridays, bingo, coloring, number skills and parachute. Residents enjoy the parachute activity the most out of them all. The dining options are limited there is a set menu. Also, the facility doesn’t offer any group outings. The cost of the facility makes senior living
affordable.
There are several options such as recurring monthly fee that include basic services such as meals and house. Also, there are add on services available such as laundry or housekeeping. No additional amenities are offered to the residents. Most of the resident cost are covered by government assistance such as Veteran benefits or through private pay. A disadvantage of this facility is transportation or outings are not included in the cost. One of the advantages of the facility is the cost and how the staff are personable with the residents. The residents were friendly and welcoming. They wanted to meet me and I know I would have heard many great stories. The society should be very concerned with older adults and the aging population. If healthier eating habits, exercise and regular doctor visits were advertised more years ago. The aging population would have less health issues and wouldn’t need to be in a nursing home. They would be able to live with their family without much supervision or continue to live on their own with an alarm system installed. The aging population need the additional resources, education and family support to be
successful.