Nursing Homes near Hialeah, FL

Nursing Homes in Hialeah, Florida

According to population studies, the fastest growing population in the United States is the 70 and up group. That means people are living longer, and more enter nursing homes every year. The good news is that the healthcare industry has made an important shift in how it cares for patients. Everything has become more holistic, and more patient-centered. Although there are still improvements to be made, the idea of a nursing home is less scary now than it was even five years ago. Nursing homes only hire staff who truly want to make a difference in the lives of the people they care for, and they've introduced more whole foods, meditation, and yoga options to help keep their residents healthy. For those who live in Florida, there is plenty to do to keep active and entertained, and there are plenty of nursing homes to choose from.

More about Hialeah

Originally envisioned as a playground for the elite, Hialeah never saw its intended purpose as Cuban exiles fleeing Fidel Castro's revolution settled in the area and turned it into a working class community. The city has the highest percentage of Cuban and Cuban American residents of any city in the United States, and it also has the largest Spanish-speaking communities in the country. Interestingly, in 2009, Forbes listed Hialeah as one of the most boring cities in the United States, but the communities are family oriented and focused on their culture. It has a low crime rate, a decent cost of living rate, and it offers a simple way of life that does not concern itself with the hustles and bustles of the rest of the world. Nursing homes in the area use the familial connection as part of their therapy, and it helps ensure the senior residents continue to live a full life.

Choosing the Right Facility

Hialeah offers a diverse atmosphere with cultural options. You always want to keep your loved one's personal preferences in mind, but nursing homes that offer city outings and tours can be of interest to many seniors. Create a list of basic qualities you and your loved one require, and then find out the specifics by visiting each nursing home. Talk to the program director about the staff. How were they trained, what's the patient to staff ratio, do they genuinely care about the residents or is it just a paycheck to them? Once you feel good about the staff, figure out if the facility's policies resonate with you. Do you feel they are too strict, or maybe they aren't strict enough? Also, determine what level of care your loved one will receive, and how often you receive updates. Finally, ensure the facility you choose has plenty of amenities and activities to keep your loved one active.

Amenities and Activities

The amenities and activities available to residents of a nursing home are important. They keep the residents engaged in life by building a community for them. Many residents come to think of the others as a second family. A good nursing home offers a wide selection of options including restaurant-style dining, social and recreational activities, landscaped grounds, beauty salon/barber shop, game room, wireless internet, library, laundry, and housekeeping. For those facilities located in Hialeah, there are also shopping areas, recreational centers, parks, museums, and beaches. Additionally, many nursing homes require residents to double up in a roommate situation. If your loved one is used to living alone, this might cause some anxiety. Find out what your loved one's preference is, and then look for facilities that can match that preference.

Aging loved ones already have enough to worry about, they don't need to worry about the level of care they will receive from a nursing home, too. It is important to choose one that makes both you and your loved one comfortable, but at the same time offers the best care available. Nursing homes should be an accepting, supportive community with compassionate staff and managers. Residents should be happy and relatively healthy, depending on their individual circumstances. There shouldn't be signs of neglect or abuse. The best way to discover what type of nursing home you're dealing with is to visit the facility and speak to the staff and residents.