First responders have long known a good nursing home from a less desirable one. The care a resident has been receiving is evident to them. But how can you tell the difference?
“Long-term care communities are a gift to many families and residents. Done well, it is a place that helps physically, emotionally, or mentally impaired people live in comfort and dignity,” says Scott Swanson, President/CEO of The Danish Home of Chicago.
Swanson states, “Be wary of the crystal chandeliers and other fancy trappings. Instead, look to see if the staff is hurried, if residents are clean and dressed, and if there are unpleasant smells. Check to see if interesting activities are offered and meals are freshly made on-site. Does this home have a sense of quiet and peacefulness, or is it chaotic with carts racing up and down the hallways?”
A private room can cost $450/day or more and should include all personal care needs, including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility. Meal options, even with restricted diets, should be varied, nutritious, and delicious. A medical team carefully manages each resident’s medication and sometimes offers therapy. Families can expect that a doctor regularly check in with residents and management to provide written explanations of policies and procedures. For example, some facilities use restraints; some don’t. Some communities offer care for advanced dementia; others do not.
Residents with extensive needs may incur additional charges. All long-term stays exceeding Medicare’s limitations will result in privately paying for care and residency at a nursing home.
A care plan is developed for each patient with a doctor, nurse, facility manager, the resident, and his or her family. The plan is closely monitored and modified as needed. Most importantly, families can rely upon the staff to continually communicate with them about their loved one and apprize them of positive and negative changes.
The Illinois Department of Public Health offers a checklist to guide people in selecting a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. It is available at: http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/Nursing_Home_Checklist.pdf.
But nothing compares to the contentment of the residents, which comes from strong relationships with staff and other residents and thorough medical oversight. The Danish Home is fortunate to have decades-long staff employment and a large, active volunteer base to keep resident life interesting. The relationships built with residents are long, meaningful, and quite rare.
“We are very blessed that the culture at the Danish home that was established nearly 140 years ago is sustained by the staff’s dedication and volunteers’ generosity of funds, time, and spirit,” said Swanson.
The Danish Home is completing the process of adding private rooms and bathrooms to its Skilled Nursing Suite and new apartment homes on its beautiful grounds in the Historic District of Norwood Park, part of the National Registry. While it remains a “boutique” community, the new addition adds a bistro, new dining room, walking paths, gathering room, and much more.
For information about the new addition and to schedule a tour, please get in touch with Debi at The Danish Home of Chicago (773) 775-7383, Ext. 4, or visit our website at www.DanishHomeofChicago.org.
