What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home (sometimes called an extended care facility, skilled nursing facility, or long-term care facility) is a type of caregiving institution that provides 24-hour supervision and support for people who can no longer take care of themselves at home. Nursing homes offer both residential and skilled nursing services.
People enter nursing homes for many reasons, including age-related frailty, disability, chronic illness, or dementia. Nursing homes provide residents with meals, laundry services, social activities, bathing, dressing, and grooming assistance. Skilled nurses and other medical professionals are on staff to provide around-the-clock care for residents who need it.
Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Home?
There is a big difference between assisted living and nursing homes. Nursing homes are for people who need constant medical care and supervision, while assisted living is for those people who need some help with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, transportation, and social activities, while nursing homes also provide professional nursing care around the clock.
Nursing home residents typically have more serious health problems than assisted living residents. Because of the differences in care and services, the cost of assisted living is usually much less than that of nursing home care.
The Benefits of Nursing Homes
As we age, it becomes challenging to take care of ourselves. Many of us are faced with the decision to either move in with family or enter a nursing home. While the thought of living in a nursing home may not be appealing initially, there are many benefits to doing so. Having a home health assistant through a nursing home service offers invaluable benefits, including personalized care and medical support within the comfort and familiarity of your own residence.
Round-the-Clock Care
A nursing home service can be a great option if you have an elderly parent who needs support and helps with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and eating. One of the main benefits of nursing homes is that they provide around-the-clock care. Nursing homes have trained staff members who can provide this care and assistance. In addition, many nursing homes have on-call doctors and nurses who can attend to residents’ medical needs at any time or night.
Provide Social Activities
Another major benefit of nursing homes is that they often provide social activities and opportunities for residents to interact with one another. For many seniors, nursing homes become like second families. They form close relationships with other residents and staff members. Nursing homes typically offer a variety of activities, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, outings, and game nights.
Age in One Place
One of the greatest benefits of nursing homes is that they allow seniors to age in place. Seniors can stay in one location and receive the care they need as they age rather than move from place to place as their needs change. This continuity can be very beneficial for both seniors and their families.
Process of How To Be Admitted to a Nursing Home
The decision to admit a loved one to a nursing home is never an easy one. However, there are specific circumstances where it may be the best option for their care and safety. If a professional considers this option for a client or patient, you must do a few things to get them admitted.
First, you will need to contact the nursing home of your choice and schedule an assessment. During this assessment, the staff will evaluate the individual’s health needs and determine if they are appropriate for admission. If they are, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork and provide any required documentation. Once documentation is completed, the individual will be admitted to the nursing home and begin receiving the necessary care.
The Cost of a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes provide around-the-clock care for older adults who can no longer live independently. These facilities are staffed with skilled, trained professionals who can provide primary medical care, help with activities of daily living, and promote socialization. Not surprisingly, nursing homes can be quite expensive, with the national average cost exceeding $90,000 per year.
However, there are several ways to finance this type of care, including private pay, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid. For many families, the cost of a nursing home is a significant financial burden. However, these facilities can provide the level of care that their loved ones need to maintain their quality of life.
Ways how to reduce nursing home costs:
- Look for a nursing home that offers discounts or scholarships.
- Shop around for a nursing home that fits your budget.
- Consider living in a nursing home that a non-profit organization runs.
- Check with your state’s health department to see if any programs offer discounts on nursing home care.
- Look for a nursing home with a sliding scale fee based on income.
- Ask the nursing home if they offer any discounts for long-term stays.
What Are the Medicaid Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Home Care Services?
To qualify for nursing home care services through Medicaid, an individual must meet certain professional criteria. First, they must be over 65 or have a qualifying disability. They must also be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and meet the program’s income and asset requirements. Moreover, they must be able to demonstrate a need for nursing home care services. Medicaid eligibility is determined case-by-case basis, and individuals are encouraged to consult with a professional to see if they meet the criteria for coverage.
The Crux
There are many reasons why nursing homes are necessary for our loved ones. One of the topmost reasons is that they provide a safe and comfortable environment for those who can no longer live independently. Nursing homes offer around-the-clock care, assistance with activities of daily living, and social and recreational activities.
They also provide crucial support to caregivers struggling to balance work and family responsibilities while providing care to their loved ones. This cost of long-term care can be prohibitive, but Medicaid and other government programs often cover some or sometimes all of the costs that are associated with nursing home care.
Keep these benefits in mind if you are considering placing a loved one in a nursing home. Also, it is crucial to research and find a suitable facility for your needs.