Nursing Homes
A nursing home is a residence option for senior citizens who do not require full hospitalization but cannot be cared for at home. The majority of nursing homes offer skilled elder care services 24 hours a day. A nursing home is often a very good choice for senior citizens who require personal and medical care. There are two types of nursing homes:Hospital-like: These are nursing homes that are set up like hospitals. Caregivers give medical care and therapy, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy. In general, there is a nurses’ station on every floor. A room holds one or two residents, and many nursing homes allow couples to share a room. Personal touches like photos are usually welcome.
Household-like: These are designed to feel more like a home, and daily routines usually are not fixed. The staff and residents work as a team to create a neighborhood-like environment. These residences often include community kitchens open to residents and decorations to make it feel like home. Staff are encouraged to develop relationships with residents to create a sense of familiarity.
Some nursing homes employ visiting doctors who see residents on site, whereas others arrange for residents to visit doctors’ offices. Certain nursing homes have separate areas referred to as Special Care Units for senior citizens with dementia. Considering someone’s special needs is very important when searching for the right nursing home.
Choosing a Facility
When searching for the right nursing home, there are some things to keep in mind, including the following:- Search for all the nursing homes in your area that are close to family and friends. Figure out what is important to you—for example, nursing care, meals, a religious aspect, hospice care, or Special Care Units to care for senior citizens with dementia.
- Talk to as many people as possible, including friends, relatives, social workers, and religious groups who can make suggestions based on your needs. Discuss possibilities with doctors who can tell you which nursing homes provide the best elder care.
- Contact every facility you are considering to ask them questions about the number of residents, payment options, and whether there is a waiting list.
- Arrange a planned visit to meet with the director and nursing director. Some things to look for when visiting are Medicare and Medicaid certification, handicap access, strong odors, a variety of food choices, the quality of elder care as seen in the residents, and the ratio of staff to patients.
- Do not hesitate to ask a lot of questions—this could be the place your loved one lives, and you want to make sure it is right for him or her. Ask how long the director and department heads have worked there. If there is a high turnover rate with people leaving often, there may be a problem.
- Make another visit without setting up an appointment. Try to go at a different time of day or a different day of the week to observe different staff members and activities. If you are there during a meal, take note of whether the residents seem to be enjoying the food.
- When you make a decision, read the contract carefully, going over it with a lawyer if you are unsure about something.
Paying for Nursing Home Care
There are many ways to pay for nursing home care, including the following:- Private pay: It is possible for some people to pay for long-term care with their own savings. When personal funds begin to dwindle, people may turn to Medicaid. It may be helpful to find out whether your nursing home of choice accepts Medicaid before getting to that point.
- Medicaid: This is a State program available to people with low incomes. Eligibility for coverage is determined by each state. Getting approved may take three months or longer.
- Long-term care insurance: This is private insurance that can be used to pay for part of the cost of a nursing home or other long-term care. It is sold by many different companies, each type having its own benefits. Inspect each policy carefully before choosing.
When considering costs, remember that there may be extra out-of-pocket charges for certain supplies, personal care, laundry, and other elder care services not included in the rate for staying at a nursing home.
