Choosing a nursing home for a relative or a friend is a difficult task. Before deciding on a nursing home, be sure to consider all the alternatives. Facilities must offer a "Preadmission Consultation" provided by the local County (explained more fully in this site within the Assisted Living introduction). Also, there are professionals and agencies that make assessments of what is needed and offer services that will allow the individual to remain at home, with family, or in the least restrictive setting. More information about this may be found in the Supportive Home Care section of this site. If it is clear that the person needs round-the-clock care and supervision, a nursing home may well be the most appropriate choice. Currently there is no public or private rating system of homes. Selection of this home will determine the new lifestyle of the person and needs to be made with sensitivity for the individual. It is your responsibility, with the patient whenever possible, to make decisions about the most appropriate placement.
Nursing Homes and Health Care Centers are skilled nursing facilities designed to meet the needs of persons convalescing from illness or surgery, or to provide long-term care which is not appropriate for a hospital nor available through other alternatives. All persons entering a nursing home do so under physicians' orders. Their care is supervised by nurses and other professionals under the direction of a physician. Facilities may offer special programs in rehabilitation, mental health, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's, hospice and subacute care. Along with meeting long term care needs they may offer outpatient services for rehabilitation, respite care (1-28 days) and short term or recuperative care (1-90 days).
Who Licenses and Regulates Nursing homes?
What are the types of licensed facilities and the type of care provided?
What does Title 19 NOT pay for?
Agencies or organizations that may be of additional assistance