A nursing home facility may be the best choice for people who require 24-hour medical care and supervision. Residents living in these facilities usually have physical or memory problems that keep them from living on their own. Some people stay at a nursing facility for a short time after being in the hospital. After they recover, they go home. However, most nursing home residents live there permanently due to chronic, ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision.
Nursing homes offer help with custodial care — like bathing, dressing, and eating — as well as skilled care. Skilled care is given by a registered nurse and includes medical treatments and monitoring. Their services focus on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. Skilled care also includes services provided by specially-trained professionals, such as physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists.
Services nursing home facilities typically offer vary from facility to facility. Services often include:
- Room and board
- Medication monitoring
- Personal care (dressing, bathing, toilet assistance)
- 24-hour emergency care
- Social and recreational activities
When choosing a nursing facility, a personal visit, perhaps more than one, is recommended. Meet with the director and the nursing director. Look for proper certifications, handicap access, residents who look well cared for, warm interaction between staff and residents. Have your questions prepared.
