As our loved ones grow older, it can be difficult to decide what level of care is best and most affordable. For some families, the choice is clear. For others, research is needed to figure out what the best course of action is for our aging loved ones. The following information will talk about the good and bad side of nursing homes, helping you to decide if nursing homes, adult day care centers or assisted living facilities is best for your family.
The best thing about nursing homes is that they are better today than they were yesterday. Remember all those scary nursing home stories? Strict regulations set by the Care Quality Commission ensure that these stories remain in the past. In fact, the staff at nursing homes are required to attend mandatory training. Most nursing homes, just like most adult daycare centers, are filled with people who care and have a passion to help others.
Many work hard to provide a better quality of life to those who need it. For those senior citizens who need extra medical assistance and are lonely with no close relatives nearby, nursing homes might be the best choice. The staff at nursing homes are available 24 hours a day to provide assistance, and living near other people similar in age and health can provide the comfort they are looking for.
The bad side of nursing homes often comes down to price and unnecessary services for those who are still very active and do not need 24-hour supervision. First, let’s discuss price. When you consider all that goes into keeping a nursing home open (like rent, lights, 24/7 staff, laundry facilities, and food) it is no wonder that they are so expensive. The best nursing homes tend to cost more, too, making the saying “you get what you pay for” ringing true.
When considering the services nursing homes provide, many of them are unnecessary for those who are still active and do not require constant care. Putting our loved ones in a place with services they do not need yet can not only cost extra money but also put them in a position where they are not getting the level of activity that is necessary to stay healthy longer.
In the end, nursing homes are not a bad choice to consider when trying to decide what the best level of care is for your elderly loved one. However, it is important to keep in mind the level of care your loved one needs and not overdue it if it’s not necessary. If they are still able to live at home with limited supervision but need some assistance throughout the day, adult day care centers, like Nevada Adult Day Healthcare, could be the best choice of action (and less expensive than nursing homes, too). It is important to look at all your options and decide what is best for your family and your budget. Visit our website to learn more today.
