Leaving home to enter a residence for the elderly is a very complex decision, both for the person who will go to live there and for those who are part of their affective environment. Knowing about the aspects most valued by residents and their families can help to facilitate the decision to choose the center.
When the need arises for a family to take their loved one to a residential center, at first the most common thing is that they Doubts and certain reluctance appear, although later his perception changes, as shown by the Opinion Study on Post-Covid-19 Confinement Residences for the Elderly in Spaincarried out by the independent agency GAPS and promoted by DomusVi.
Care, food, services or facilities are aspects that can be decisive when choosing a center for the elderly
According to this study, 8 out of 10 respondents who were initially reluctant to take a family member to a center, werethey felt calm and confident once the decision was made. It also highlights that 2 out of 3 family members who initially felt guilty are now really Convinced that they were right with their decision.
Care, food, services or facilities are aspects that influence the well-being of the elderly and that can be decisive when choosing a center. Aware of this, the quality department of details the five most valued reasons when choosing a residence and that help to make a decision:
- Close and human treatment
in residential centers the human part is essential, since they are people who take care of people. The union of professional skills with good work, experience and humanity, makes the difference. A professional but close treatment, will help to perceive the residential center as a new home. This can only be achieved with a team of committed professionals who look after the well-being of the residents, and who remain in permanent contact with the family.
- Spacious facilities that encourage social activity
The exterior spaces are one of the most valued points. Dispose of terraces or gardens, allows you to enjoy sunny days without having to leave the center, and, in addition, it is a point in favor when it comes to receiving visitors. The wide and pleasant spaces They allow group activities to be carried out that foster relationships and bonds between residents.
- Healthy nutrition
It is important that menus are balanced, varied and adapted, contemplating special needs such as, for example, the reduction of swallowing complications or gastrointestinal disorders caused by age or ailments. The dining areas also add up because they allow for a pleasant lunch or dinner.
- contact and communication
The emotional health of residents is always a priorityTherefore, assessing what type of communication the center offers is relevant in the decision. This aspect is closely related to the innovation and technological tools, which will mark the present and the future of care. It’s fundamental encourage maximum contact between the user and their environmentTherefore, the centers must be open to visitors and be technologically prepared to facilitate communication, as is the case with the use of tablets to make video calls.
- Housekeeping
Aspects such as disinfection or cleaning of personal and common spaces are crucial for health and well-being. It is always advisable to do an eye check-up during the visit to the center.