Friday 31 January 2014

Nursing Home Information: How To Select The Best Facility

By Kristana Jenson


Nursing homes go by many names, and they are known as skilled nursing facilities, rest homes, elder care homes and even rehabilitation centers. Most nursing homes provide both long-term and short-time care for a variety of people, both young and old. There are many reasons why people reside in nursing homes and if you need to select a nursing home for a loved one, here is some important information.

Sometimes, a person stays at a nursing home facility for just a short amount of time, from a week to several months. This might be because he or she has had a stroke or perhaps has fallen and broken a leg or hip. Sustaining injuries, particularly brain injuries, stemming from accidents also might be a reason why a person is placed in a nursing home. Not only will the patient receive round-the-clock medical care, but nursing homes also have physical therapy, speech therapy and other types of rehabilitation. After sufficient progress has been made or a patient has healed sufficiently, they can return home.

On the other hand, long-term care is another reason why people seek out nursing homes. Sometimes you need care because of a serious illness that can't be easily managed at home or perhaps no one at home is able to care for the person or simply cannot be there 24 hours a day. This could be a disease such as end-stage cancer or perhaps a disease such as Alzheimer's disease or even a serious heart or lung ailment that requires constant medical care.

Nursing homes also are an option for seniors who cannot manage many daily tasks without help, such as remembering to take medicines, remembering to eat properly or even personal grooming. While this also can be accomplished at an assisted living community, these are very expensive, so budgetary concerns might limit your option to a skilled nursing facility where Medi-Cal is accepted. Just like at an assisted living facility, the staff will help with day-to-day tasks, as well as providing meal services, laundry and housekeeping. Not only is that helpful, the skilled medical staff are there 24/7 if medical care is needed. This can be a good option for people who do not have family that is able to care for them at home.

When searching for a nursing home, try to find one that is close to friends and family so that visiting is easier. Also, it is wise to look at several facilities and talk to the director and the staff to truly get a feel for the level of care and commitment offered. It helps to write out a list of questions to ask prior to your visit and make notes, so you can compare facilities. Your first impressions are important so take a good look around. Check to see if the staff is courteous, friendly and engaging and the facility looks clean and cheerful and that the residents seem happy. Make a note of any interaction between residents and staff.

Nursing home facilities have long had a negative stigma and often can seem a bit institutional in nature, but that is slowly changing as skilled nursing facilities are doing more to improve the ambiance and amenities. Shop around for a facility that offers some good social activities for your loved one and find a place where the residents seem happy. The best scenario is to find a place where a friend is already living as this can lower anxiety tremendously for your loved one and also can give you greater insight into the way the home is operated.




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