I do not believe they are mutually exclusive. I would hope that the medical care is one that understands the needs of geriatric patients yet is sensitive to them as viable, caring people with wants and needs like anyone else. Are they trained to deal with the elderly and their unique needs and compromised issues?
As a person who is residing there, I think the personnel is my main concern. Are they compassionate,caring, and patient? Have they received the type of training that is unique to the needs of these particular guests? Are they just working a "job" or do they have the heart that shares an empathy for them? Then, I would evaluate the environment? Is it inviting, cheerful, provide activities, exercise, and healthy yet tasty meals? What are the extra activities that are offered? Is there transportation that facilitates their ability to leave the building? How much do they go "beyond" what is expected? What are the attitudes? Is it a friendly and caring environment when just the residents are there and no outside guests? Is there a "voice" that can take the concerns to the Board of Directors or the Administration? For me, person and patient reside together---not mutually exclusive. Thanks for the question. It really made me think this concept through to the end.