Choosing a nursing home for yourself or your loved one can be a complicated process. It’s sometimes hard to picture what everyday life will look like at a particular facility, even while you’re there on a tour. There are a few factors you should take into consideration before deciding which nursing home is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a nursing home in Albany, NY.
1. Facility
The state of the nursing home itself will tell you a lot about the quality of the care that residents receive there. If the building is clean and well-maintained, it shows that the facility is run well and that the staff take pride in their work.
At Shaker Place, we’ve recently undergone an $80 million renovation project to take our facility to new heights. Our new wings include both private- and semi-private rooms, so you can enjoy your own space and socially distance. Each room was designed with comfort and privacy in mind so even residents with roommates can enjoy some time alone.
There are also spacious sitting areas with fireplaces and new atriums that are perfect for group activities, as well as outdoor courtyards and walking paths so residents can take advantage of the nice weather. To schedule a tour, please give us a call!
2. Activities
What daily activities are there for residents to participate in? Scheduled activities help residents get some social interaction and mental stimulation at the same time. It’s important to choose a nursing home with a variety of activities planned all week long so you or your loved one will always have fun things to do.
Shaker Place offers a variety of daily and weekly activities to exercise our residents’ bodies and minds. Many of these activities are tailored specifically for our memory care residents. We start each day with re-orienting activities, such as going over the date and current events to remind our residents about what’s going on.
We also offer exercise classes, game nights, reading circles, music listening, crafts, letter-writing, and fun outings when possible. All of these activities help the mind focus and bring enrichment to our residents’ lives.
3. Food
The quality of the food at a nursing home is a huge factor in the residents’ quality of life. Are there a variety of options to choose from at each meal? Does the facility cater to different preferences or dietary restrictions? Does the food look appetizing and nutritionally sound? These are all things to consider before choosing a nursing home.
Shaker Place features 8 country kitchens, allowing residents to choose from a varied menu while maintaining social distancing. Our culinary chef provides a nutritionally-balanced meal with substitutions available for residents with special dietary needs. We also offer all-day dining options, a snack shop, and all-day beverage service.
4. Staff
The staff are the people who will be interacting with the nursing home’s residents on a daily basis. Are they friendly? Do they know the names of the residents and interact warmly with them? A good staff can ensure that your loved one is safe and cared for.
At Shaker Place, we pride ourselves on our quality staff. Our Executive Director, Larry Slatky, is a proven leader with a passion for serving the Shaker Place community. His top priority is always to increase the quality of care for our residents, and under his guidance Shaker Place has won the 2018 Bronze and 2020 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, the 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Tier 3 Recognition from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Quality Initiative Program in 2020.
Our Director of Nursing is Rebecca Luce, who has worked tirelessly to keep our residents and staff safe during one of the most unprecedented times in our country’s history. She treats all of our residents like family and works hard to create an educational, healing environment here at Shaker Place.
So many of our staff go above and beyond in their care for our residents and our facility. Our Shining Stars program recognizes these talented individuals for the bright lights they are in our community.
5. Medical Treatment
Do residents of the nursing home have an opportunity to see a doctor regularly? Regular medical checkups are important for older residents, especially those suffering from memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
Shaker Place has a team of memory care specialists to make sure your loved one gets the highest level of care for their individual needs. Our memory care unit offers music therapy, pet therapy, board games, and other cognitive therapies, as well as personal meal plans all offered in a safe, secure environment.
We also offer individualized rehabilitation services, with state-of-the-art therapy equipment, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and more. Our medical treatment is tailored to each resident to ensure they’re able to live happy, fulfilled lives with us.
At Shaker Place, the health and happiness of our residents are our top priorities. To learn more about our facility and the amenities we offer, explore our website or contact us today.