Most of us will go there at one time or another … and recent reports on nursing homes are less than rosy. Have you thought much about what we are doing to ensure quality mental well-being for seniors?
I was out for lunch on Sunday and a conversation came up about nursing home care. My friend lamented the fact that his sister is in a nursing home where residents hang their heads or stare into space… and he expressed that his sister has lost her spark.
While we know that elders who do best exercise mentally, we also know that when people come after profit … both humanity and profitability take a loss. We see it again in the latest consumer reports…. It’s now proven that not-for-profit nursing homes tend to give better care than for profits. Not much... but better.... Does that surprise you?
According to a study of 16,000 homes across the US, and an analysis of their three most recent inspection reports … it was also interesting to note that neither did that well. 2 percent of the for-profits were classified as likely to provide good care. In contrast, 7.3 percent of non-profits rated as quality care for elders.
The first things I’d look for in a home after cleanliness, health and friendliness … would be mental stimulation. How about you?
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