Nursing homes can be called a variety of names. The most popular names are convalescent homes and skilled nursing facilities. Nursing homes provide many helpful, essential services to senior citizens who can no longer take care of themselves.
The services can include:
- 24-hour skilled nursing care
- Medical care
- Medicine monitoring
- Memory care
- Hospice is usually available
Nursing homes were created to assist seniors who do not require hospitalization but can use the extra assistance with their daily lives, including medical attention. Many nursing homes even offer occupational, specialized, speech and physical therapy.
Nursing homes provide a home away from home, clinical setting where residents receive the extra attention and assistance they deserve. Nursing home staff provides services that bring residents peace of mind through their daily lives.
Is It Time For A Nursing Home?
There are several signs to look for if you believe your loved one may be ready for a nursing home. The most important signs that the senior needs assistance can be found by monitoring their eating, using the restroom, personal hygiene and mobility.
If your loved one is experiencing struggles with any of the above, it may be time to look into nursing homes near you. If your loved one cannot remember to take proper care of themselves or needs more and more medical assistance throughout the day, it may be time to look for help.
Significant wellness and mood changes and falling more often are other tell-tale signs to begin researching nursing homes. Aging does not have to be a scary process with the right staff and residence on board!
What Nursing Home Care Services Are Provided?
There are many care services nursing homes provide. Here are the most common:
Room and Board – Nursing homes offer both residency and a private or shared room based on needs and pricing. They are both live-in and full-time facilities for your loved ones. Some nursing homes are temporary whereas others may be permanent for the senior based on their individualized care plan.
Personal Services – Nursing home assistants, or CNAs, provide personal assistance in the form of bathing, toileting, assistance with getting dressed and custodial care to their patients. Assistants may also provide turning services for patients who remain bedridden.
Social Activities – Nursing homes offer a slew of social activities to keep the residents engaged and happy. Both social and community events bring the residents together each and every day. Events may differ dependent upon the facility yet bring interactive, connecting activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle for the residents.
Medical Care – RNs can be found at each nursing home center to monitor illnesses and their respective treatments. 24-hour emergency care is also available to each resident. Multiple kinds of therapy can also be offered to residents requiring specialized care, including memory care for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
What Is The Difference Between Nursing Homes And Other Senior Care?
Nursing Homes VS Assisted Living – Nursing homes offer more in-depth care services to seniors who require more care. Assisted living centers offer similar daily care services, but the care is not as consistent or as in-depth as nursing home residents receive.
Nursing Homes VS Home Health Care – Home health care occurs within the senior’s own home. A special care assistant provides assistance with daily activities, medical and medicine monitoring and helps around the house. A nursing home offers the same services yet in a separate community for seniors.
Nursing Homes VS Memory Care – Memory care facilities are exclusively for people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other memory issues. Nursing homes offer these services as well in addition to many other medical care services. Nursing homes are more of a hospital-like setting whereas memory care reflects more of a home-like nature.
How Much Does Nursing Home Care Cost?
Nursing home costs may vary from state to state and based on the essential services the senior needs. The average monthly cost for nursing home care ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.
The costs covers 24-hour care and the costs of living in the facility to ensure your loved one receives the care they need. Nursing homes are quite expensive but your loved ones will be properly cared for in a safe, friendly environment.
How Can I Pay for Nursing Home Care?
There are multiple ways to pay for nursing home care assistance. Here are the most common:
- Personal assets
- Private insurances
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance
In regard to Medicare and Medicaid, the senior must be deemed eligible to use this form of payment method.
How Do I Find Nursing Home Care Near Me?
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about nursing home care communities near you, please use our convenient Senior Living Directory to search a list of 267 skilled nursing facilities.
There are many wonderful nursing home communities to meet your customized needs and wants. Our directory will lead you to the nursing home care community that best fits your life plan. You can rest easy and be excited to call your nursing home care center your new home.