The Rising Importance of Nursing Homes in Providing Quality Elderly Care

Whether it’s Mom or Dad, Uncle Bill, or Aunt Mandy, many Americans struggle to provide adequate and respectful care for their elderly loved ones. And when they cannot, they turn to nursing homes.

Increased Life Expectancy

A nursing home, Orlando, or skilled nursing facility, provides round-the-clock care and medical services to the sickest seniors. They also offer comprehensive support with daily activities that can be difficult to manage at home, including bathing and eating.

While Americans live 76 years on average, most spend only 85% of those years in good health. It is possible that dramatic improvements in reducing death rates could lead to an increase in life expectancy, even at older ages.

However, this would require theatrical interventions at a much earlier stage of life than has been the case in the past. In addition, an increased life span would require substantial decreases in the rate of disease and disability at older ages. This is likely to take several decades to play out.

Decreased Needs for Home Care

While home care can help people manage their day-to-day needs, it is much less comprehensive than the services offered in nursing homes. Moreover, many older adults with significant LTSS needs have little wealth and income to finance home care out of pocket.

Nursing homes also offer specialized care support like PEG feeding, walking aids, and palliative care for people confined to bed. Lastly, some nursing homes provide meaningful social engagement through regular community meals and events.

Our study suggests that healthcare managers’ conceptualizations of quality in nursing homes and home care may entail more than simply checking off “boxes.” These ‘softer dimensions’ are crucial to improving healthcare quality in both settings. They include having the right competence, fostering staff motivation, and encouraging professional pride.

Increased Need for Assisted Living

Nursing homes are geared toward people who need assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing. In contrast, assisted living is more focused on socialization and recreation.

Many nursing homes are regulated by government agencies, such as local and state offices on aging or social services. They also may be covered by long-term care insurance if you have it.

Depending on your needs, a nursing home may or may not be your best option. It is essential to consider your options and choose the right type of senior care for you or a loved one. You can learn more about these options by contacting your area agency on aging, local and state offices on aging, or social services. Then, you can ask questions about specific facilities and their services.

Increased Need for Memory Care

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide specialized medical care and assistance to elderly individuals with complex health conditions. For an elderly individual to be eligible for admission into a nursing home, they must have a health condition that requires a certain level of care. This level of care, known as the nursing home level of care (NHLOC), must be established by a healthcare professional and meet the requirements set by Medicare and Medicaid.

Reputable nursing homes offer an engaging environment for seniors and a sense of community. They encourage social interaction through group activities, events, and communal dining experiences to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that can affect cognitive functioning and overall happiness.

When looking for a nursing home for your elderly loved one, consider their needs and preferences, such as their diet or if they need memory care. You can also attend family nights or meetings at nursing homes to learn more about their services.

Increased Need for Long-Term Care

People need long-term care when they are no longer able to live on their own or cannot get the help they need at home. Nursing homes offer around-the-clock supervision, medical care, and rehabilitation services like physical and speech therapy.

Many states have Medicaid programs that cover the cost of nursing home care. The rules and requirements for eligibility vary from state to state. Some seniors might pay out of pocket to cover their expenses before Medicaid.

Before choosing a nursing home, list what matters to you. It would help to ask family, friends, and your doctor about their experiences with nursing homes. Also, ask about the home’s layout and social activities. For example, some nursing homes are set up to resemble hospitals, while others try to have more of a neighborhood feel.