Nursing Homes near Salem, OR

Nursing Homes in Salem, Oregon

The discussion of nursing homes is often an emotional one, and it's not always one that families want to have. Unfortunately, there comes a time when everyone needs a little help with their daily activities, and families have to decide what's best when the time comes for their loved ones. The good news is that nursing homes are a great option when families are unable to care for their loved ones themselves. It provides a safe, supportive environment, and it may just expand the life the senior was living to begin with. When the time comes to search for nursing homes, Salem has a lot to offer the senior community.

More About Salem

Salem is a city focused on sustainable, healthy foods. Every Saturday from May through October the Salem Saturday Market emphasis' local products such as baked goods, produce, and meat. This is in addition to the Wednesday Farmers' Market during the summer and the Holiday Gift Market in December. Salem also offers plenty of festivals and cultural events, including the Dragon Boat Race, which draws a lot of residents and tourists to the area. The city also focuses on music, both live shows and classical. Salem is home to the Salem Chamber Orchestra, and the Oregon Symphony comes to town about ten times a year to put on performances. Nursing homes in the area often have trips to the symphony for residents who enjoy music, and with so many other activities to do in the city, Salem has a lot to offer its senior community.

What You Should Know

If it's time to consider a nursing home, there are questions you should ask before you choose a facility. First, you should ask if the community is secure. Safety is important to the elderly, especially when they're in an unfamiliar place. Next, ask what type of training the staff has, and how long they have worked in their field. Find out what medical services are available, and how often families are updated about their loved one's well-being. Look into the food options available, and whether the seniors have easy access to drinking water. Given Salem's focus on fresh, local foods, the menus at the nursing homes should be varied and tasty. Finally, ask what kind of alternative medicines they facility uses, if any. Once you have an answer to these questions, you can accurately compare the facilities to one another.

Make Sure You're Comfortable

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is not an easy decision, and it may be one that causes a fight. It's important to find a place that makes the transition as smooth as possible, and also provides the best care. You have to be comfortable with the nursing home's policies and care options, as well. Notice the details of each facility to get a feel for the residents. You can tell a lot just by watching those who live there. If they seem happy and healthy, that will be obvious.

What You and Your Loved One Can Expect

When you choose the right nursing home for your loved one, it can be a positive experience. Several facilities in Salem provide lifestyles that encourage your loved one to grow, and also nurture their personality. Good facilities consider personal preferences and individuality when they design a care program for your loved one. You can expect them to receive fresh air, appropriate exercise, daily activities, and proper medical attention. For those who enjoy outings, there are museums, libraries, and theaters to visit. The facility should include plenty of daily activities to keep seniors engaged, and should encourage as much social interaction as possible. This creates meaning by pulling from previous interests, and it allows them to develop relationships with their new community.

Deciding that a nursing home is the next step for a loved one is not an easy choice to make. Begin by researching nursing homes online. Be prepared to ask questions about the facility and how it treats its residents. You must be comfortable with the facility, and so should your loved one. The place you choose should be one that meets all of your requirements, and it should provide your loved one with a quality of life that is better than if they lived on their own. Knoxville has its fair share of hot days, so be sure the nursing home you choose has ample air conditioning to keep your loved one comfortable. It's also important for the nursing home to provide plenty of activities and opportunities to socialize with other residents.