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Nursing Home Must Haves

While most people will look into the medical facilities, staff, and maybe even the kitchen of a prospective nursing home, there are some often overlooked items that can make a stay there more comfortable. Here are some things that you should consider when looking for your nursing home.

Laundry services are one thing to look for. You want to make sure that the nursing home has an in-house laundry. Make sure your loved one's clothing is marked with his or her name to help ensure that it gets back where it belongs. Many laundry services will not clean dry clean only items, so you may need to take those clothing items elsewhere for your loved one, or switch to clothing that is machine washable.

General practitioner services should also be available. If your loved one's current doctor is willing to visit, that is great, but often this becomes impractical. You will want to find out if the nursing home offers doctor services, and if not, get recommendations of local practitioners that will come to treat patients at the care center.

Activities are an important part of your loved one's stay at the nursing home. They help to keep them active and give them something to look forward to. Some nursing homes have a staff member that is specifically in charge of putting together activities. Look to see what they offer.

If your loved one likes to read, you may want to find out about library services at the nursing home. Some homes will have their own library, and others may work with the local libraries to exchange books. You can also help organize a book exchange between residents or book clubs so that they can share their favorites.

If your loved one is still active, they may enjoy outings about the town. Look and see if the nursing home offers shuttle services. These will sometimes be group tours to major shopping centers to pick up items, to clinics for doctors appointments, and more. Other homes will have a cart that goes around the home from which residents can purchase writing supply and other useful items that they might need.

Getting outdoors is important, so find out if the nursing home has gardens or grounds for the residents to use. Some will have paved walking paths so that residents can stroll and take in the sights, and other homes will have communal garden plots where residents can indulge their green thumbs.

For many seniors, their faith becomes even more important as they age. You will want to inquire about religious services that have already been arranged to see if they have something appropriate. If not, you can see about getting something set up and/or having their own pastor visit.

You will also want to find out if there is parking available for visitors. This will make it easier on you when you come to visit your loved ones if you know where parking is located, and whether or not there is a charge to use it.