Many elderly people prefer to live in their own homes, but due to deteriorating health often require round-the-clock health and personal care, which makes assisted living a necessity. Relatives and external carers who come to a person’s home can only do so much, and sometimes moving permanently into a nursing home is the best option for elderly people to live well and receive the best possible care. Likewise, if a person has suffered an injury or has recently had an operation and will take some time to recuperate, then a temporary stay in a nursing home can also be an option until they have recovered sufficiently to move back into their own home.

Nursing homes differ from other types of residential care homes in several ways. For instance, an assisted living facility can simply provide the basic care needs as well as things like laundry and daily meals because their residents don’t require as much care. People in these residences enjoy a greater degree of independence. In a nursing home however, the basic needs are cared for as well, but residents are given more specialist care that has to be provided by a registered nurse, and often on a 24/7 basis. As a result of the degree of care required by the residents, there is likely to be a higher ratio of staff to residents in a nursing home than in another type of facility. All nursing homes are required to ensure that a physician oversees all medical treatment.

Additionally, nursing home facilities will often have equipment installed to help administrate proper care: for instance, bathrooms will often have been fitted out to be wetrooms and may also be equipped with hoists. There will also be a range of services provided by various specialist professionals; these services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.  These services and accommodations are there to give elderly people the dignity they deserve, as well as the health and personal care they require.

Assisted living care is something that many elderly people in the United States require. In 2015, there were nearly 1.7 million nursing home beds in the US: a figure that has stayed roughly consistent for twenty years. The vast majority of residents in such homes were 65 or older. The size of nursing homes varies; some are small and cater to six or less residents, while others can accommodate hundreds of people.

Finding a Nursing Home

             Accommodations will need to be considered when looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one. It should go without saying that research, and keeping yourself as informed as possible, is incredibly important. Look at the sorts of care services being offered at each facility you consider, and whether they are enough to fully care for your loved one.

Funding is also a consideration when finding a home. There are various ways in which residence in home can be paid for, including Medicare and Medicaid (most nursing homes today are certified by both, insurance, and personal assets. It is best to do some research about which payment method will be the best to use.

If possible, a visit to a potential home should be made so you can see the facilities for yourself. While there, talk to other residents if you can to find out what a typical day is like for them and what they think of the home. This will help you get honest information about the home and make you better prepared to make the decision that is right for you. Finding the right nursing home will ensure that your loved one gets the care and support they need and deserve.