Most nursing homes encourage residents to bring personal items in an attempt to make the room a more homelike atmosphere. Individuals who live in long term care facilities often are able to control very few activities in their lives. Food and meal times become very important social times. In long term care facilities, the capacity to provide for special needs of the residents is important. Staff should respect the privacy and knock before entering a resident's room.
Privacy becomes an extremely important issue for many residents in nursing homes.
Sharing space including a bathroom, sinks, and bureau space often becomes very challenging in a nursing home. Social workers and activity directors enter the area to invite the resident to join in activities or to ask lots of questions. Staff attitudes in long term care facilities are critical. As you are touring the facility, observe how the staff interact with other residents, staff and visitors. As you visit, determine if staff are happy to be working in the facility.