Is this the nursing home I want for my loved one?

Inspiration

By Charles Towne

My father, disregarding the fact that he only had a third-grade education, possessed more than his share of earthy wisdom. One time he told me something that as a naturalist and a student of human nature I have found quite useful. (The only thing problematic about his words is I wish I had thought of them!) He said, “Always remember, the very best science comes from direct observation independent of theory.”

Now, you are probably wondering just how my father’s canny wisdom might come into play when selecting a nursing home for your loved one? So I will tell you.

I visited several facilities before choosing one because even though none of them are really what the residents know as the home we want our loved one to be happy, or, at least as happy as possible, right?

I looked at several nursing homes before selecting one that would give my wife the attention and loving Christian care she needs and deserves. I selected the following facility by the process of personal inquiry as well as direct observation.

Florida Living Nursing Center is located at 3355 E. Semoran Blvd. in Apopka. It is a non-profit facility owned and operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Health Care System.

Okay, what should we be aware of in selecting our nursing home of choice?

Well, we must keep in mind that the dining experience is an especially high point in each and every resident’s day so let's start there.

Ask yourself the following. And the only way you will be able to wisely answer these questions is if you take the time to personally observe.

#1 is the atmosphere in the dining room pleasant?

#2 Are the servers friendly, courteous, and efficient and are the patients served in a timely and friendly manner? (Imagine that you are dining in a fine restaurant. If that were the case you should ask yourself, does the waiter or waitress deserve a gratuity? If not, why not?)

#3 Is the food hot and not only palatable (PLEASE READ TASTY) but nourishing as well.

#4 And this one to my way of thinking is so important. Do you see the management eating the same food as the residents, or are they stepping out to a local restaurant?

The only way you are going to answer these questions is by direct observation.

Another issue of great importance is entertainment. If the only activity available is the television, that grows old real fast. There should be activities that are mentally stimulating.

Another issue to keep in mind is the fact that the larger the facility the larger the staff and the larger the staff the greater the chance there will be those few in the nursing or C.N.A. positions that are without a shred of human compassion or empathy.

Try to be like the proverbial fly on the wall. Keep your eyes, ears, and nose open, and constantly ask yourself, “Would I want to live here?”

Charles Towne is first and foremost a Christian. An octogenarian, author, journalist, wildlife photographer, naturalist, caregiver, and survivor, his life has been and continues to be, a never-ending adventure filled with possibilities never imagined. He has adopted the philosophy that to Live fully, laugh uproariously, love passionately, and learn like there is no tomorrow, is a formula for a long and joy-filled life.