Comparison Between Nursing Homes: What Are the Differences and How Do They Affect Daily Life?

Comparison Between Nursing Homes: A Key to Optimal Fit for Needs and Desires

Before choosing a nursing home, it is very important to understand the fundamental differences between the various institutions and their implications for the daily lives of residents. Beyond the basic questions of price and location, there is a wide range of parameters that can significantly affect quality of life, level of care, and suitability to personal needs. In this article, we will compare the key characteristics of nursing homes, explain how they manifest in daily life, and provide tips for optimally matching a nursing home to the resident and the family.

Types of Nursing Homes and Levels of Care Nursing homes are divided into several main categories based on the level of independence and care required:

1. Assisted/Supportive Living – Intended for independent senior citizens who wish for a tailored living environment with basic support services.
2. Nursing Home – Suitable for elderly individuals who need daily assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
3. Dementia Unit – Provides a unique response for residents with significant cognitive decline or advanced dementia stages.

The differences between the types are expressed in the emphasis on privacy versus supervision, the type of personal and medical care, the nature of activities and services. It is important to tailor the choice of framework to the functional and health status of the resident, while considering personal preferences.

Professional Standards and Infrastructure Nursing homes vary greatly in the level of professionalism, staff training and experience, as well as the quality of infrastructure and facilities. Differences in these parameters will affect:

1. The quality of nursing and medical care (for example, the ratio of caregivers to residents).
2. The safety of the environment and the prevention of falls and injuries.
3. Sanitation level, infection control, and medication management.
4. Availability of paramedical services such as physiotherapy and various therapies.
5. The variety and quality of offered activities and classes.

It is advisable to obtain detailed information about staff training, policies and professional procedures, and the condition of equipment and facilities during a physical visit to the institution and conversations with key personnel.

General Atmosphere and Organizational Culture The basic atmosphere, values, and approach to the resident vary significantly between institutions. Differences in these aspects will affect:

1. The level of personality and care in treatment (how much effort is invested in deep knowledge of the resident and their preferences).
2. A sense of homeliness, community, and connection between residents (as opposed to a cold and alienating "institutional" feeling).
3. Respect for privacy, confidentiality, and resident dignity (for example, consideration of dressing preferences and daily schedules).
4. Choices and autonomy space (does the resident have control over meals, activities, hosting, etc.).
5. Encouragement of family connections and treating family members as partners.

To understand the cultural differences between nursing homes, it is recommended to talk to current residents and family members, observe natural interactions between staff and residents, and assess the sense of belonging and happiness of the entire community.

Size, Structure, and Layout Differences in the size of the nursing home, number of residents, and interior design can greatly impact daily life:

1. The feeling of intimacy and deep familiarity of the staff with the resident (more common in small and medium-sized institutions).
2. Noise levels, crowding, and environmental stimuli (higher in large institutions with many residents).
3. Ease of movement and navigation in the space (dependent on layout, signage, and bright interior design).
4. Accessibility to gardens, yards, and open spaces (varies according to architecture and location of the building).
5. Variety of shared spaces for activities, hosting, and privacy.

When touring the institution, pay attention to the physical structure and consider how it may suit the resident's nature, mobility needs, and environmental preferences.

Individual Services and Additions There is significant variation in options for personalizing services in each nursing home:

1. Customization of menus and meals for medical conditions (such as diabetes), allergies, and personal preferences.
2. Availability of personal services such as laundry, grooming, escort to appointments, and more.
3. Supplementary packages for a separate fee, such as trips, upgraded meals, or special enrichment programs.
4. Personal living space adjustments (furniture, pictures, appliances, etc.).
5. Policies regarding pets, hosting, and accommodating family members.

It is important to inquire individually about all personal needs and desires and to ensure that the nursing home can adequately meet them, whether through basic services or additional fees.

Examples of Comparing Leading Nursing Homes in Israel To illustrate the possible differences between institutions, we will provide several examples of prominent characteristics of leading nursing homes in Israel:

1. "Mishkanot B'Kfar" in Moshav Bezera: Specializes in high-level assisted living, emphasizing resident independence, green rural environment, and friendly personal staff.
2. "Up to 120" in Ra'anana: Offers a wide range of living levels, advanced facilities, a variety of enrichment programs, and chef menus.
3. "Gardens of Jerusalem": A high-standard nursing home with a multidisciplinary team including a specialist doctor, emphasizing religious values.
4. "Home in the Country" in Moshav Tzur Moshe: A small and intimate home, emphasizing a family atmosphere where the staff knows each resident well.

Of course, these are only partial examples and do not exhaust all available options. Each nursing home has unique characteristics, and it is important to get a direct impression to make an informed decision.

Conclusion and Guiding Principles for Effective Comparison

1. Start with a clear definition of needs, constraints, and personal preferences of the resident and family.
2. Compare nursing homes according to the most relevant living and care category.
3. Examine professional standards, staff levels, and physical facilities in depth.
4. Emphasize impressions of the general atmosphere, core values, and treatment of residents.
5. Consider the impact of the size, structure, and layout of the institution on the daily experience.
6. Ensure maximum alignment of services and personal additions to specific needs.

Remember, there is no perfect nursing home that suits everyone. The key lies in finding the institution that best fits the overall unique needs, constraints, and preferences of your family.