Introduction to Gerontology - Essay Example

"Introduction to Gerontology" is a perfect example of a paper on nursing homes. A visit at the Quartz Garden, a residential care facility for the elderly in Winnetka, Los Angeles, California, exposed one to a family-style nursing home.  Upon entering the facility, one is greeted by a lovely backyard and an outdoor patio.  The atmosphere is very cozy and one observed that the facilities are all designed according to the needs and requirements of the elderly.  The nursing home has good lighting and the temperature is appropriate for the elderly.  The common areas are comfortable, with a television set, DVD player and lots of magazines.  When one visited the facility, one resident was celebrating her birthday and there was a luau party.  Everyone was having a wonderful time.       One can feel the sense of belonging among the members of the facility.  The staffs have name tags.  They are very polite, helpful, and respectful.

            The services they offer include among others “assistance with bathing and grooming, healthy meals and snacks, medication management, continent, and incontinent care, laundry and housekeeping, escort to scheduled doctor’s appointment, daily activities and exercise, personal care assistance, church companionship and hospice, and respite care” (Quartzgarden.com 1).  According to the person in charge of the facility, their staffs are highly trained and available 24/7.  Aside from the extensive background check that they do among their staff, of utmost importance to the facility is that their staff should exhibit compassion and a lot of patience to their residents.

            One observed that the residents are clean and properly groomed which speaks much of the kind of service that they offer to the elderly.  Their rooms are clean and well-maintained.  There are no unpleasant odors even in the individual rooms of the residents.  The kitchen and dining room are very tidy. 

            One would certainly recommend this place for one’s own grandparent because of the caring and warm atmosphere of the facility.  More than anything else, aside from the 24/7 service that they offer to the elderly, one’s recommendation is based on the fact that staying at Quartz is just like staying at one’s own home.  Its close-family lifestyle is what one is looking for in a nursing home and this is what Quartz has to offer.  This is important so that the elderly will not feel lonely and isolated from their families.

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