A nursing home is a long-term care facility for people who do not require hospitalization, but are unable to care for themselves or have someone available to provide care for them at home, according to the National Institutes of Health. Most nursing homes for the elderly have licensed or registered nurses and certified nursing assistants on staff 24 hours a day. Options include state-run facilities and private homes.
Types
The level of care needed will determine the type of nursing home facility chosen. Assisted living facilities offer basic care and help with general tasks such as bathing, dressing and cooking. They also assist with medications and some health problems. In this setting, the resident usually has a private room or apartment. Long-term care facilities offer round-the-clock care and monitoring. The setting is similar to a hospital, with one or two residents to a room and a nurse's station on each floor, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Services
Nursing homes for the elderly typically offer four basic types of services, according to the National Center for Assisted Living: medical care, nursing and rehabilitative care, personal care and residential care. Every facility should have a physician on staff to evaluate the resident's health and provide a plan of care. Nurses carry out the care plan, asses the resident's needs on a daily basis, monitor the overall health and administer prescribed medication. Specialized therapists, such as physical or respiratory therapists, provide rehabilitative services as needed. Certified nursing assistants help residents with daily activities, such as eating, bathing, dressing and walking. Spiritual and social needs are met through residential care services, such as church services and leisure activities.
Resident Rights
Federal law provides certain rights and protections for residents of nursing homes, which must provide a list of these rights to each resident, according to Medicare.gov. Under law, residents have the right to be treated with dignity, to control their own finances or designate someone to handle their money, and to be informed of all fees and services before entering the facility. They have a right to privacy and a right to keep their personal items, as long as those items do not interfere with the rights of others. Residents also have a right to remain informed about their medical care and to refuse treatments.
Choosing a Nursing Home
Before beginning the task of choosing a nursing home, make a list of questions you may have and special services the resident will need. This will help narrow the search. Once you have a list of homes that meet basic needs, visit each home for a more detailed inspection. The American Geriatrics Society suggests scrutinizing the safety features and cleanliness of the home. Watch how the staff interacts with residents. Ensure that the facility offers a variety of leisure activities and will meet the residents' spiritual needs. Make a second visit before finalizing your choice, preferably on a day when different staff are working.
Costs
The cost of a nursing home varies significantly among facilities and states. According to the 2009 Met Life Market Survey of long-term care costs, the average annual cost for a private room in a nursing home was $79,935. A semi-private room was slightly cheaper, at an average of $72,270. Assisted living facilities cost an average of $37,572 per year. These rates are for private-pay residents and may differ for those using insurance or Medicaid.
