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Generally, quality nursing home care helps people be as independent as possible and enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

In order to make the right choices about nursing home care, it’s important to:

• Know the options - What types of care different nursing homes offer.
• Identify Needs - Identify what kinds of care and help are needed.
• Choose Carefully – Plan carefully, take advantage of available help, and make choices that everyone will be comfortable with.

Choosing a nursing home can be an emotional experience. Acknowledge feelings and be hones with one another. Plan ahead by giving yourself plenty of time to visit facilities, discuss feelings and options, making arrangement, and prepare emotionally for the move.

Try to involve everyone as much as possible. The person entering the nursing home and family members alike should make their wishes known, visit facilities together, ask questions, and learn about residents’ rights. And, be positive. Remember, nursing homes seek to offer an environment that provides quality care, comfortable surroundings, services, activities, and personal attention for each resident.

Nursing homes offer many types of care. Registered and licensed practical nurses help evaluate residents’ needs, coordinate care, administer medications, and provide treatment. Nusing homes also have a physician on staff or available. The physician is in charge of the overall care plan for each resident. Nursing homes also provide personal care with dressing, eating, using the bathroom, walking and other daily living activities, as needed. In addition to meals and a comfortable place to stay, nursing homes help meet residents’ social, recreational and spiritual needs.

When choosing the right nursing home, be sure to:

• Assess the Need for Care
• Is extensive medical care needed?
• Is there a need for physical or other kinds of therapy?
• What about help with bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities?
• Get Advice from Professionals
• Discuss your needs with your helth-care provider, a hospital discharge planner, or social worker. Ask for help in choosing the appropriate type of care.
• Consider Costs and Resources
• Learn about Medicare and Medicaid Coverage
• Insurance – long-term care insurance
• Savings and Assets
• Family Resources