Thursday, 3 June 2010
Choosing a Nursing Home - Finding Care For a Loved One
Caring for loved ones when it is getting harder for them to care for themselves can be overwhelming. Although the heart wishes to do everything you can to make someone comfortable and help with their needs, it may reach a point where it just isn't possible to be the caretaker. If this is the case, family members may begin looking at alternative living situations. This is when choosing a nursing home may be a solution to accommodate the needs of everyone involved.
One of the first emotions experienced is guilt that you are abandoning them. Don't be too hard on yourself there are advantages to nursing homes and there is a variety to choose from to meet many needs.
The first step is to evaluate the person's situation. What type of assistance do they need? If they are ill and need to be in a facility that will help them rehabilitate, bathe them and help to administer medication around the clock, a skilled nursing facility that helps with these conditions may be beneficial for this situation.
For those who have sharp minds, but the body is declining, a more scheduled and closely monitored facility like a nursing home, may be best. Many people at these homes need assistance with eating and other daily tasks.
When you begin looking for a facility a few things to consider is the location and the distance. Ideally, you can find one close enough that will allow you the convenience of frequent visits. Do research on the facilities in your area.
Make an appointment to talk to the director and tour the facility. Look for cleanliness, demeanor of the patients, and talk to the staff. This will tell you a lot. Also, ask for references and talk to some of those people provided to get their thoughts, likes and dislikes about the facility.
Keep cost in mind. Find one that is affordable as insurance and Medicaid in most cases won't foot the bill. Take your loved one if you can. This will allow them the opportunity to see what it is like and it will help you determine which one they feel most comfortable in. It will be an adjustment for everyone. For someone with more independence, an assisted living facility may be more appropriate.
Dee Cohen is a licensed social worker. Stop by Elderly Care Problems and read articles about Depression Counseling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Cohen
One of the first emotions experienced is guilt that you are abandoning them. Don't be too hard on yourself there are advantages to nursing homes and there is a variety to choose from to meet many needs.
The first step is to evaluate the person's situation. What type of assistance do they need? If they are ill and need to be in a facility that will help them rehabilitate, bathe them and help to administer medication around the clock, a skilled nursing facility that helps with these conditions may be beneficial for this situation.
For those who have sharp minds, but the body is declining, a more scheduled and closely monitored facility like a nursing home, may be best. Many people at these homes need assistance with eating and other daily tasks.
When you begin looking for a facility a few things to consider is the location and the distance. Ideally, you can find one close enough that will allow you the convenience of frequent visits. Do research on the facilities in your area.
Make an appointment to talk to the director and tour the facility. Look for cleanliness, demeanor of the patients, and talk to the staff. This will tell you a lot. Also, ask for references and talk to some of those people provided to get their thoughts, likes and dislikes about the facility.
Keep cost in mind. Find one that is affordable as insurance and Medicaid in most cases won't foot the bill. Take your loved one if you can. This will allow them the opportunity to see what it is like and it will help you determine which one they feel most comfortable in. It will be an adjustment for everyone. For someone with more independence, an assisted living facility may be more appropriate.
Dee Cohen is a licensed social worker. Stop by Elderly Care Problems and read articles about Depression Counseling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Cohen
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