Nursing Homes

What is a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a wide range of health and personal care services. They are generally designed for seniors who require 24-hour medical supervision due to physical or mental conditions that leave them unable to care for themselves. Nursing Homes typically provide services that include nursing care, round the clock supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available. Most nursing homes have nurse aides and skilled nurses on hand at all times.

Some people stay at a nursing home for a short time after being in the hospital. After they recover, they go home. However, most nursing home residents live there permanently because they have ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision.

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What is a Nursing Home Community like?

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital. The staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy. There might be a nurses’ station on each floor. Other nursing homes try to be more like home. They try to have a neighborhood feel. Often, they don’t have a fixed day-to-day schedule, and kitchens might be open to residents. Staff members are encouraged to develop relationships with residents.

How do I know if a Nursing Home is right for my loved one?

Nursing Homes are the highest care communities outside of a hospital for seniors. They are the next option if your loved one doesn’t meet the requirements of an Assisted Living or Memory Care facility. It should be one of the last options considered for long term care and can be very expensive. You should consider a Nursing Home if your loved one suffers from severe, debilitating physical or mental conditions that leave them unable to live independently. They may be bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or in need of daily skilled nursing care.

Here are ten signs your loved one may need help:

  • Regular care and treatment of a wound is required
  • Stage 3 or 4 bedsores
  • Need for Occupational Therapy
  • Conditions requiring ongoing respiratory therapy
  • Regular intravenous injections are needed
  • Long term medication adjustments for intractable pain
  • Physical or speech therapy with a goal toward improved functioning
  • Ongoing Tracheostomy Care
  • Isolation due to infectious diseases
  • Medical problems that need ongoing care