Nursing Home
Nursing Home
Nursing homes, also known as Skilled Nursing Facilities, are federally regulated. They provide nursing staff: RNs/LPNs around the clock. Today, there are many alternatives to a nursing home and the level of care found there. It is important to ask and understand what level of care is really needed.
Many senior living options offer Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care. And now, some communities also offer what is called Enhanced Care or Care Suites. Generally, the price for a Care Suite is comparable to a nursing home, but the setting is less institutional.
Skilled Nursing Care vs. Family Caregivers
More than eight of every 10 people who need long-term support and services receive this care at home rather than in nursing homes or other institutional facilities. And nearly all the assistance they receive at home is provided by family members, not paid aides or nurses. Yet, we know nothing at all about the quality of that family help.
Much is undoubtedly delivered with great love and compassion. But, sadly, it is also provided by family members who have no caregiving skills. For instance, they often don’t know how to safely lift a frail relative out of bed, or how to help her bathe.
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