There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about nursing homes. For example, one myth is that living in a nursing home is like living in a hospital, and another is that once you move into a nursing home, you can never leave. However, the reality of modern nursing homes is quite different.
In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion and help you understand when and why a nursing home might be the right care choice for your loved one. We will clarify why a nursing home is NOT Assisted Living. We’ll cover what nursing homes are, how nursing homes compare to other types of senior living, like an assisted living facility, and how to find the best nursing home near you.
Nursing homes are not assisted living communities. Also, they are not skilled nursing facilities (SNF), which is usually only for temporary residents. Nursing Homes provide the highest level of health care out of any senior living option. Standard services at nursing home facilities include:
What differentiates nursing homes from other forms of senior living is that they are the only type of senior care facility licensed to provide medical care services, such as skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapy.
Nursing homes are designed to provide comprehensive care in a private or semi-private room. Residents aren’t confined to their beds and can freely move around and interact with each other. There are also common areas where entire families can come visit and spend time with their loved ones.
They are always commercially zoned and may or may not be on the same campus as an independent living community thereby creating what is often categorized as a CCRC (continuing care retirement community).
Nursing homes offer a range of different options, depending on the level of care your loved one needs and for how long.
For example, for short-term stays you will want to look for a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). These are perfect for short-term rehabilitative services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy- when a skilled care service is identified following a hospital stay and is typically covered by their Medicare benefit. They are geared toward seniors who temporarily need additional support after being discharged from a hospital and who will discharge to home or a home-like environment after their skilled service benefit needs have been met, usually less than 21 days.
There are also nursing homes that offer long-term, palliative care for seniors with ongoing medical conditions that require constant care and supervision. For example, perhaps your loved one needs daily specialized treatment for kidney disease or a heart condition that can’t be provided at home. Remember, assisted living communities do not provide this kind of medical care or rehabilitation.
Finally, there are nursing homes that focus on providing hospice care to ensure the comfort of seniors with terminal illnesses who are approaching the end of life.
These days, many people who are initially searching online for nursing homes in their area are actually a better fit for an assisted living community. But what is the difference?
Assisted living communities are for seniors who don’t need regular medical care, but do require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents live in private apartments with senior-friendly features like bathroom grab bars, barrier-free doorways (to accommodate wheelchairs / walkers), and alert buttons. They receive assistance with ADLs, enjoy three daily meals (plus snacks), and can participate in a wide array of different community activities – such as book clubs, exercise classes, game nights, field trips, etc.
Many assisted living communities also include on-site amenities like a library, beauty salon, gardens or walking paths, gym, etc. Residents may keep their own car, but many often prefer to make use of the community’s transportation service/public transit to shop or attend medical appointments.
Nursing homes offer many of the same services and amenities as assisted living communities, but are for seniors who have more comprehensive care needs or need daily medical care and 24/7 supervision by licensed medical professionals.
As previously mentioned,nursing homes are the only form of senior living that can provide 24/7 medical services. Like memory care communities for residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related illnesses, many nursing homes also include increased safety measures for residents with memory issues / dementia.
The level of medical care provided in an assisted living facility versus a nursing home is also reflected in the price. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national monthly median cost for assisted living is $4,429. Meanwhile, the national monthly median cost for a private room at a skilled nursing facility is $9.086.
It used to be that the term “nursing home” was interchangeable with “senior living.” However, in modern parlance, the two terms mean different things.
Senior living is a catchall phrase for living communities designed for seniors (ages 55+). It includes independent living, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), memory care facilities, and yes – nursing homes.
As a whole, modern senior living communities use social-based models that focus on providing for the emotional, social, and physical needs of residents. In the case of nursing homes, they also include medical services.
Perhaps your loved one doesn’t want to have to stay in a skilled nursing facility after being discharged from the hospital. Or, other than needing daily medical care, they prefer to live independently in their own private residence. In such cases, they might be able to receive skilled nursing care right in their own home. Provided they have the financial means to do so, seniors and their families can hire licensed home health aides to help with various medical procedures, such as:
The national median cost of hiring a home health aide is currently $4,576 per month. Keep in mind that the types of home nursing care services that are available will vary depending on state laws, as well as the agency. Furthermore, custodial services – such as assistance with ADLs, cooking, cleaning, etc. – are separate from skilled nursing services and will cost extra.
With all the different types of senior care available, when is a nursing home a good option for your loved one? The first consideration is the level of care your loved one needs – specifically, do they only need assistance with activities of daily living, or do they require regular skilled nursing? If they don’t need skilled medical care, then you should look into senior living options like memory care or assisted living.
If your loved one does need medical care, the next question is for how long? For example, have they been discharged from the hospital after extensive surgery? In that case, temporary admittance to a nursing facility or short-term respite stay in an assisted living facility focused on rehabilitative care can help ensure their full recovery.
Meanwhile, if they can still live independently, but need regular assistance to manage a chronic condition, a home health aid can be a good fit. However, if your loved one can no longer manage independently and needs daily palliative care, then moving them into a residential nursing home might be the best option to ensure their comfort and well-being.
You can take our senior needs assessment quiz to help you determine which types of senior living might be the best choice for your loved one’s care and lifestyle needs.
Compare Nursing Homes
You want to move your aging loved ones into a nursing home where they will feel happy, safe, and comfortable. As such, here are some key questions you should consider when you evaluate different living facilities:
Quality of Care
When touring different nursing homes, make sure to explore the facility, stay for lunch, and observe daily activities. Is the building well-maintained? Are the rooms comfortably sized? Do residents seem to be healthy, calm, and engaged? Do they receive personalized attention when they interact with staff members?
See if you can connect with any of the current residents (and their families) to hear about their experiences. Also, make sure to visit the appropriate state regulatory agency (most likely the health department) to look up the community and review their survey or inspection reports for issues that could impact your loved one. Finally, do a search online for reviews.
The cost of nursing home care will vary dramatically across the United States, depending on your location. Here is how the average monthly cost breaks down state by state:
Source: 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey
The above numbers are just averages, and the actual price of specific nursing home facilities can vary widely — even within the same city.
When considering nursing home costs, a lot of seniors assume that Medicare will help them pay for care. However, this is not always the case, as Medicare coverage for skilled nursing depends on several factors, including the type of care and the duration of care.
For example, short-term skilled nursing care – such as following a stay in the hospital – is almost always covered by Medicare. Generally, the program will pay 100% of approved costs for the first 20 days and partially cover another 80 days of medically necessary skilled nursing care.
However, the rules are different for long-term residential nursing homes. While Medicare might help cover medical care, such as doctor services, prescription medications, and medical supplies that your loved one needs while living in a nursing home setting, custodial care services (i.e., assistance with ADLs) room & board, etc., are generally not included.
We recommend reading our nursing home cost guide [A/N: include a link when available] to learn more about the various factors that will influence the cost of nursing homes in your area, as well as different ways to finance nursing home care.
Real Estate Agents are all alike.Realtors? Theyre a dime a dozen! and What do agents really do anyway?I do hear these comments, and it does bother me.Not for the reasons you think it bothers me because we individual agents havent done job number one: introducing ourselves to you and the market as a person, and as a professional. Im sure if you knew what each agents special sauce is youd think differently on that dime a dozen comment!In other words why should you use me as opposed to doing it yourself or choosing one of the more than 216,000 other licensed agents in Florida?Lets first address you DIYers when Greg and I moved from Spring Hill to Bradenton here in Florida, and even selling my home of 23 years in Alpharetta, GA I was a licensed agent, but not active. I didnt have access to the MLS, lockboxes, or contracts. I knew enough to pay an active practicing colleague for her valuable service, tools and support. Not only was she able to do background research on the property I was purchasing, but she was also a partner in the transaction and a sounding board in the negotiation process. Bottom line was that I knew I stood to lose way more than the percentage of the deal that I had agreed to pay her. I knew her knowledge, research and negotiation skills would net me a higher outcome than if I moved forward thinking I had all the answers (even being a licensed agent myself). You see, it was my own property, my investment, and I was like many buyers and sellers too close to the transaction to be 100% objective.So, lets say I just convinced you to partner with an agent. Who should you choose?As you might guess, Im here to make the case that not all agents are alike, and certainly not equal. What sets us apart is who we serve and how we do it. So you, as the consumer, need to be very clear about what your needs are and what you want to accomplish.So now youre thinking, Come on Jude how am I supposed to know those answers? I dont even know where to begin! When I get a call from someone like you just entering into the market I ask to meet them, preferably in person in a coffee shop or at their home. I like to spend a little time asking questions and getting to know their story, their vision, their desire, their situation. You see, knowing all of this seemingly extra stuff helps me guide, advise, and add value to their transaction.If you consider working with an agent to help you buy a property and she just jumps straight to yes, Ill show you that property you might want to rethink the relationship because she wont have the insight she needs to be of true service.Same with if youre looking for an agent to sell your property. If your first meeting with her is all about what she can do for you and what a stellar agent she is and she skips right over learning your needs wants, desires, time frame and goals then youll be working on her agenda, shell be flying blind, and thats a recipe for disaster.Bottom line as much as you need to vet the agent youre considering, make sure theyre curious about you. (Thats my tip for those of you dating, too!)LIFE CHANGES ARE HARD. HOME CHANGES DONT HAVE TO BE.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.