When a Loved One Moves in with You
If you've decided care in your home is appropriate, you'll probably need to make some changes around the house. Changes can be as complex as adding another bathroom or converting a first-floor den into a bedroom. Or changes could be as simple as attaching a safety rail to the shower or having an amplified receiver installed on the telephone. In addition to making necessary physical changes in your home, you'll want to make sure your loved one feels welcome in your home by displaying favorite possessions - particularly mementos and photographs - in plain sight.
Assisted Living Facilities
Those who need care beyond what they can receive at home but not requiring the level of care provided by a nursing home may find the help they need in assisted living facilities. Many of these residential facilities provide a home-like atmosphere, and some are structured so that individuals have their own apartments. Staff is available to assist twenty-four hours a day. Depending on specific needs, residents can receive assistance with housekeeping, meals, and personal care, including helpwith daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing. There are no federal regulations for assisted living facilities, and the licensing requirements vary from state to state. Assisted living facilities may be referred to by other names such as personal care home, residential care facility, and adult group living facility.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, also referred to as nursing facilities, are residential facilities that provide round-the-clock care and supervision. Nursing homes offer a range of services from skilled care for seriously ill people who require close supervision by a licensed nurse to custodial care, often provided by nursing assistants supervised by a nurse.
All states have licensing requirements for nursing homes and perform surveys to evaluate the quality of care. Most states maintain databases you can access to get general information about a facility (e.g., number of beds), resident details (e.g., percent of residents who are physically restrained), and staffing details (e.g., staff hours/resident ratio). You can also see the results of state evaluations and often summaries of complaints lodged by residents and families. This information can provide a starting point for selecting a nursing home.
Choosing a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
Before selecting a nursing home or assisted living facility, investigate several. You can use your state's database and get recommendations from friends.You can tell a lot about a facility by walking around and observing the residents and staff.
In addition to what you see, you'll need answers to many important questions to determine if a facility will meet your needs and expectations. There are excellent resources available to help you identify the information you need to evaluate a residential facility; some provide a checklist. One such resource is the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform website.
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