Providing a comfortable, safe and secure environment for the elderly, retirement homes offer medical assistance and rehabilitation, daily activities and meals suited to different dietary needs, ensuring a good quality of life for all their residents. As a result, they have become a necessary part of society, offering a helping hand to caretakers and family members who are unable to take care of their loved ones.

What are the benefits of elderly homes?

Locally, there appears to be somewhat of a misconception when it comes to sending the elderly to homes, however, contrary to popular belief there are several benefits of doing so. For starters, residents receive help with daily chores that may include anything from basic tasks like bathing, dressing and eating to things like running errands on their behalf. In addition, by being at a retirement home seniors are in a safe environment and out of harm's way, something that's particularly important to those suffering from a condition like dementia.

But best of all, residents receive a personalised health care service thanks to the homes' skilled and experienced nursing staff, whereas some establishments may also offer further specialised service to its senior clients who suffer from serious health conditions. Health care service may include, but is not limited to, administering medication, offering emergency services and much more. Lastly, nursing homes tend to have an established social network which means that newcomers can easily make friends with their peers, making them feel more at ease and at home.

Duration of stay

Nursing homes offer full-time care and assistance to seniors, regardless of whether they are ill, disabled or just want to spend their retirement in a calm and caring environment. The duration of a stay can be arranged according to the client's needs, so it could either range from a period of convalescence after an operation in which case medical and therapeutical assistance will be provided or long-term stay. Furthermore, if you're a caregiver or a relative who needs to travel, establishments also provide respite care of your loved ones until you return.

Accommodation and Facilities

Offering 24-hour person-centred care in homey surroundings, elderly homes present a welcoming fully-furnished and wheelchair accessible environment akin to a hotel or resort. Depending on the rest home, residents can select a number of accommodation options which usually include studios, one or two bedroom apartments, while some upscale rest homes also have luxurious penthouses with large terraces and views. Others may also have rooms equipped with kitchenettes and living rooms. Typical facilities within the rooms include en-suite bathrooms, a Nurse Call System and its own emergency response system, while a number of them may even sport a balcony or large terraces.

Other common facilities within homes' premises include gardens where residents can enjoy numerous garden-related activities, chapels, libraries and swimming pools. In addition, some may even have cinema screens or specially equipped rooms ideal for a variety of activities and hobbies.

What other services are offered?

Mealtimes are a big affair at elderly homes. With the dietary requirements of each resident in mind, meals are prepared carefully in their fully-equipped kitchens. Very often residents have the ability to choose the meal of their choice, while meals and snacks are offered throughout the day. Some facilities also have a dietician on staff that can consult clients who may need to make specific adjustments to their diet.

Retirement homes may also offer certain services at an additional cost. These may include an in-house hairdressing service available with prior booking, as well as personal laundry services whereby laundry will be collected, washed, ironed and delivered straight to residents' room.   

Apart from the usual clinical care provided, dentists, dental hygienists and dental technicians are available, as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. An in-house pharmaceutical service is also on hand where medication from the Pharmacy of our Choice (POYC) can be collected through the nursing department, while any other medications residents may need to buy from a pharmacy, can be purchased and brought to them.

Did you think that nursing homes are places where the elderly are left there to spend the day doing nothing much? From bingo nights to themed parties and numerous classes, many organise events that allow the elderly to get out and about, learn something new or practice a specific skill or hobby.

What is the admission process?

Each individual rest home has its own rules and regulations, however, the general process involves having an introductory meeting with a representative who will offer a tour around the premises, provide all the necessary information and answer any questions you may have. However, part of the admission process may also require you to disclose medical reports issued from a general practitioner or hospital consultant, which must include detailed information both on the prospective residents' health and any medication or treatment that may be needed. Some establishments may also request additional things like x-rays. This is especially important because it will help the home determine the type of clinical care the client will be needing.