How to Find The Right Nursing Home
How to Find The Right Nursing Home
If your elderly or sick loved one has become too ill to care for themselves, nursing homes may be the best option. Considering this move for a loved one can be a stressful and emotional time.
Nursing homes offer round-the-clock skilled nursing care to residents. This differs from assisted living, where nurses are only on duty for a few hours per day.
Costs
Nursing homes cost more than assisted living or independent living complexes, and the costs vary by state. Nationwide, the median cost of a nursing home is $7,908 per month for a semi-private room and $9,034 for a private room, according to Genworth’s most recent Cost of Care Survey. Unlike many other senior housing options, the majority of nursing homes do not accept taxpayer-subsidized programs like Medicare. Instead, residents pay out-of-pocket using personal funds that can include savings or proceeds from selling a house, cashing out an IRA, borrowing from a life insurance policy or taking out a reverse mortgage.
Some people purchase long-term care insurance policies to help offset the cost of a nursing home later in life, but these plans do not generally cover custodial care. Those who pay privately often enter into an admissions agreement with the nursing home that outlines fees and services provided.
Rooms
Nursing homes are designed to provide 24-hour-a-day skilled nursing care to individuals who can no longer live independently. They may specialize in short-term or long-term care, and they may offer a variety of services such as physical therapy and medication management.
Usually, a private room in a nursing home will cost more than a shared room. This is because the private rooms are not covered by Medicare and are only paid for by family members or by insurance companies.
Each nursing unit shall have a clean workroom and soiled workroom, a toilet room and an area for bathing fixtures (not within resident rooms). The distance from a resident room door to these areas should be minimized and based upon sub-units of residents. Also, there should be a room available to facilitate airborne infection isolation.
Meals
Generally, nursing homes provide three meals a day and snacks for their residents. They also take into account their food preferences, nutritional needs and any dietary restrictions. They must also follow proper storage, preparation and serving procedures.
Many nursing home meals include protein-rich foods like eggs, beans and spinach. Other popular options are grilled chicken and fish. They may also offer whole grains such as toast and waffles. Some offer specialty dishes such as clam chowder and twice-baked sweet potatoes. They may also have healthier desserts such as fruit salad and pudding.
Some nursing homes have their own gardens where they grow fruits and vegetables. They also provide residents with fresh produce from local vendors. This helps keep the meals interesting and provides variety in their diets.
Activities
In nursing homes, there are many different activities available for elderly residents. These activities are designed to promote mental stimulation, happiness, and social interaction. However, it is important to consider the individual preferences and physical abilities of each resident when planning activities.
Indoor activities can include crafts, music sessions, board games, and bingo. These can stimulate the mind and offer opportunities for friendly competition. They also help residents develop their motor skills and cognitive skills.
In addition, residents can enjoy outdoor activities like picnics with outdoor games. These can be a great way to enjoy a change of scenery and reconnect with nature. This can make them feel more independent and improve their mood. It is also a good way to forget about loneliness and boredom.
Staff
Nursing homes employ a variety of staff members, each of whom plays a vital role in caring for residents. Direct care workers include registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and licensed practical nurses.
They assess individual needs and create personalized care plans for each resident. In addition, these professionals provide medication management and monitor health status.
Administration, support, and maintenance employees work behind the scenes to keep the facility running smoothly. They also interface with caregivers and other staff members on a regular basis.
A number of studies have raised concerns about the adequacy of nursing home staffing standards. CMS has incorporated these concerns into its Phase II studies of nursing home staffing. Congress is currently considering legislation to increase nursing home staffing levels.
