The Importance of Quality Life for Nursing Home Residents

Studies show that because nursing homes are restricted environments, with numerous residents who may have diminished physical or mental capabilities, it’s important for these facilities to ensure quality of life is being achieved for each and every resident. Healthy meals, access to professional medical care, and a clean, comfortable, and safe living space are expected. And generally, it’s not hard to verify that these needs are being met. However, other areas that have to do with personal and emotional well being are often more difficult to verify, and these areas may not be addressed in the resident’s care plan.

When choosing between nursing homes in Augusta, KS, it’s important to consider which facility offers elements that enhance and support a healthy, positive, day-to-day life for their residents.

Overall Quality of Life

Health is one of the most important quality-of-life aspects, but there are many others to consider. Feeling safe and secure in both the home and typical daily surroundings is essential, as are good nutrition, social connections, and recreation; attention to mental health and self; spiritual and cultural identity; and privacy and dignity, just to name a few. Focusing on a variety of these aspects when choosing a facility allows you to decide if it is the right living situation for your loved one, based on several key quality-of-life components. Each is intertwined and reliant on the others for overall well-being.

Health, Mental Health, and Self

As humans age, health issues often become a primary issue. Confusion, dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues are not uncommon. Unfortunately, neither is malnutrition, dehydration, and other issues that are directly linked to both the health and mental health of an individual.

Staff plays a pivotal role in a resident’s quality of life, and their observations can be crucial to ensuring all physical and mental health needs are being met. Many residents would prefer to be living in their own home, and others are confused as to why they aren’t. If a resident isn’t eating or drinking, it’s important to learn why, and determine if the reasons are related to a medical condition, or due to confusion, a mental health issue, or a personal or cultural reason, such as an aversion to certain foods. If their issues or concerns are being met, they will likely settle in, become more comfortable in their surroundings, and start to enjoy socializing and recreational activities. Seek out those nursing homes in Augusta, KS who strive to fulfill all aspects of each resident’s quality of life to find the best living situation for your loved one.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.