Just as an ancient proverb says: “Time and unforeseen events befall them all.” We can’t tell what the future brings, yet one thing is certain — we all get sick and grow old. It is the cycle of life. Perhaps you face the same challenge a lot of families are facing today — the challenge of providing the best care for a family member who needs to be given more attention after a sudden hospitalization or because of aging. This may mean moving them into a nursing home. Not to fret though, nursing homes offer many benefits that you might not have thought of.
Not every household has the capacity, in terms of shelter, time allotment and financial capability, to give quality care for family members in need. You may have a loved one who is chronically ill and taking care of him is nearly impossible.
Thus, the decision to move a family member in a nursing home, or what is also called a skilled nursing facility, may have become an option to you. But, you might be hesitating to fully consider this option due to a lot of misconceptions about nursing homes. This article will help you learn more about nursing homes.
What Is A Nursing Home?
A nursing home is a residential place designed for people who are in need of continual care like the elderly. Skilled nurses and staff members in a nursing home facilitate the basic daily activities of a patient like feeding, bathing, getting in and out of the bed and dressing.
It is not true that nursing homes are terrible and that they provide poor quality service. Quality medical care is available 24/7 in skilled nursing homes to ensure that the patient’s medical needs are met any time.
Types Of Nursing Homes
In the US, there are three types of nursing homes: the intermediate care facility, the assisted living facility and the skilled nursing facility. The intermediate care facility provides a service that is less than what is given in a hospital. The patient, the patient’s family member or a hospice may pay for the service in an intermediate care facility.
The assisted living facility is designed for patients who can not live independently, but do not require a 24/7 medical care. The skilled nursing facility is considered to be the best type of nursing home. Patients who have contributed in Medicare will have their nursing home expenses paid by this government insurance program given that they are 65 years old or older.
Nursing homes may have varying setups, but the goal is to provide the best care for each patient. Some may have rooms that are private, complete with kitchen and bathroom and room service, while others are shared.
What To Consider When Choosing a Nursing Home
In choosing the best nursing home for your loved one, it is best to hear the assessment of medical professionals about his needs. But here are two points you might want to consider.
What type of service does my loved one need? If an elderly does not need full assistance, like there is no risk that he might forget where he is, you may choose the assisted living facility. However, if your elderly needs a 24/7 assistance, the skilled nursing facility is your best option.
Unlike with only a caregiver who might be divided in his responsibilities at work and in his own household, a nursing home has a team of professionals who will alternately tend to your loved one’s needs.
Another point to consider is how long will your loved one stay in the nursing home? Remember that the expenses in a long or permanent stay in a nursing home is expensive or may not be fully covered by Medicare or other insurances.
Do Your Research Before You Choose
In whatever type of nursing home you will choose, it is important to look for the best rated. Last January, the US government gave a five-star rating to 3,036 nursing homes.
Find locations close by so you can always pay your family member a visit. You can visit http://www.amysnursinghomes.com to browse the top nursing homes in your state.
Nursing Homes 