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Nursing homes are generally stand-alone facilities, but some are operated within a hospital or retirement community. 

Nursing Home Services 

The level of care provided by nursing homes has increased significantly over the past decade. Many homes now provide much of the nursing care that was previously provided in a hospital setting. As a result, most nursing homes now focus their attention on rehabilitation, so that their clients can return to their own homes as soon as possible. 

Choosing A Nursing Home 

There are many things to consider when choosing a Nursing Home. Visit the facility several times at various days and hours of the day. Pay close attention to the attitudes of the staff, and the residents. Take notice of the staff members are they happy and how due they treat the residents. Talk to the clients and care providers notice how they respond to you. Ask several of the residents about the care they receive. Also find out what they think of the facility like the atmosphere, activities, services, equipment, and safety. Gather as much information as possible and thoroughly review all brochures, reports, newsletters, and written information. Everyone should be involved in the decision making process. Communicate with your love one find out how they fell about facility. The placement of a love one into a nursing home is a major step for all. Choosing the right nursing home is like you deciding on your home, doctors, and community. Talk to other member of the family and obtain their advise remember this is an important decision for entire family.

5 Steps to Consider When Choosing a Facility:

 1. What is the overall atmosphere? 

·         What types of meals are offered by the facility? Consider nutrition, choice, appearance, variety, and taste. Are special meals available for dietary restrictions? 

·        Does a dietitian approve resident meal plans? 

·        How big is the facility? Larger facilities may have more organized activities, socialization opportunities, and transportation. 

·        What are the facility's visiting hours? What types of accommodations are available for visitors? Are there any restrictions on having guests? 

·        How clean is the facility in reference to appearance and odor? 

·        What is the general attitude and appearance of the residents? 

·        What is the general attitude of the staff? Is the staff friendly and courteous to residents and each other? 

·        What is the participation level of residents in activities and outings? 

·        How often and in what manner does the staff interact with the residents? Does the staff recognize all of the residents? Are members of the staff friendly toward the residents? 

·        What is the resident's and family's involvement in the development of the service plan? 

·        How often are each resident's needs reassessed? 

·         What are the admission requirements? 

2. What type of services and activities due they offer?

·        Is socialization encouraged and promoted? Is it easy to socialize with other residents? Do lounge areas and a common dining room exist? 

·        What are the extent, range, and frequency of planned activities? 

·        Are there a lot of opportunities for transportation? How flexible is the transportation? 

·        Do opportunities for involvement with the surrounding community exist? 

·        How flexible is a resident's daily schedule? How much independence is allowed? 

·        Is the facility licensed by the state? 

·         Is the facility's administrator licensed by the state? 

3. What is their equipment and amenities like?

·        Are exercise facilities available to the residents? What kind of opportunities do residents have to exercise?

·        What types of amenities are available to residents? 

·        Is the facility equipped to support any special needs of the patient? 

·        Is extra storage space available? 

·        Is the facility located close to shopping centers and/or entertainment? 

·        Do the units have a telephone and television? How is billing handled? 

·        Is there a kitchen with a sink and refrigerator in the unit? 

·         Are religious facilities available?

4. Financial Considerations

·        What is the monthly cost of the facility?

·        What are the trends in rate increases over the past years? 

·        Is a deposit required? Is it refundable? 

·        What services are included in the monthly cost? What services have to be paid for separately? What other services is available? 

·        Are utilities included in the cost? 

·        What circumstances might force a resident to leave the facility? 

·        What kinds of opportunities are available for a resident to receive further care as a condition or problem requires? 

·        Is the facility connected with a nursing home or other kind of facility? 

·        What types of housing are available? (private/shared, apartment, suite) 

·        Is the housing furnished? If so, what is included? 

·        What types and what amounts of personal belongings is a resident allowed to bring?

·        What happens if you are unable to pay for services? 

·        When can care services are terminated, and what is the refund policy? 

·         What are the payment, billing, and credit policies?

5. Safety Considerations

·        Are intercoms installed in each room? 

·        Is there a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from each unit? 

·        What is the level of safety in the facility? Is their proper lighting? Are there handrails, emergency pull-cords, and door alarms? How extensive is the fire system? 

·        Are exits clearly marked and easily accessed? 

·        Does the facility have air conditioning? 

·        Is the ventilation and heating adequate? 

·        Is the facility's security adequate? Are there lockable doors for each unit? 

·        Does the facility have handicapped access and accommodations? 

·        How close is the nearest hospital? 

·        Is there a doctor or pharmacy on-site? 

·        How many staff members are on duty for each shift at the facility? 

·        How long does it take for the staff to respond to a resident's call for assistance?

What is the Average Coast of a Nursing Home?

The average cost of a nursing home stay in the United States is $153 per day, but there are large variations from metropolitan area to metropolitan area, according to a recent market study released by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. Manhattan is the costliest at $295 per day for a private room while the Hibbing, Minnesota area is the lowest at $90.

The study found that the cost of a home health care aide was $16 per hour nationally. Home health care is most expensive in Hartford, CT at $24 per hour and least expensive in San Antonio, TX at $12 per hour.

The report includes average daily nursing home costs and hourly home health care aide costs for various cities throughout the country.  

For more on this subject, read this MetLife Article.

Who Pays For Care?

Much has been written recently concerning health care costs and cut backs in government entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. What does this mean for individuals in search of a senior care facility? 

Individuals are responsible for paying for their own care to the extent that they have the means to do so and are not covered by insurance. Paying with personal funds is known as private pay. Private pay, insurance and the various government programs are outlined below.

Private Pay

If an individual has assets, he or she is expected to pay with personal funds until the money and assets (other than those funds excluded by law) runs out. A spouse has a legal obligation to pay for nursing home costs unless the ill spouse qualifies for Medicaid. Children and other family members (other than the spouse) are generally not required to pay in most states, but they may choose to in some cases. 

Some facilities only accept private pay patients. If a facility elects not to participate in the government reimbursement programs (Medicaid and Medicare), they may only accept private pay patients. This is a business decision made by management based on the economics of their facility. For example, if a facility has many amenities that were expensive to construct, and a state's Medicaid reimbursement policy does not allow for adequate cost recovery (i.e., their reimbursement rates are too low), a facility may be forced to only accept private pay patients to meet their budgets.

Medicare: Does it Cover the Cost of Nursing Home Care?

Medicare covers the cost of a nursing home stay only under certain circumstances. The criteria are as follows: 

1. The individual requires skilled care (i.e., nursing care other than general custodial, intermediate or personal care). 

2. The care is provided only after a three (or more) day hospital stay for treatment of the same illness or condition that was treated in the hospital.

3. The nursing home is a Medicare-approved skilled nursing facility with a registered nurse on duty 24-hours a day.

4. The patient is assigned to a bed that is Medicare-certified for reimbursement.

5. Only a nursing home can provide the skilled care required. 

Even if these criteria are met, Medicare only covers the costs of care for up to 20 days. An additional 80 days may be provided on a co-payment basis.

For more information on Medicare benefits, visit the Medicare web site.

Medicaid: Who is Eligible for Finicial Assistance?

Medicaid is a State and Federal program that will pay most nursing home costs for people with limited income and assets. Eligibility varies by State. Check your State's requirements to learn if you are eligible. Medicaid will pay only for nursing home care provided in a facility certified by the government to provide service to Medicaid recipients. For more information about Medicaid payments, call the SHIP for your State or call your State's Medicaid office. The telephone number is in the blue pages of the phone book. 

Click Here To find a Nursing Home in the United States

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