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About one-third of older adults will live in a nursing home at some point. The likelihood increases with age, lack of family members nearby, and geriatric syndromes that can increase the risk of falls or injury.
Many people are reluctant to send their loved ones to a nursing home due to cost concerns. However, nursing homes offer benefits that aren’t available at home.
24/7 Medical Care
Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) offer around-the-clock medical care and support. They can be used as a short-term solution for rehabilitation, or they can be a long-term option for people who need constant medical attention and cannot safely live at home.
They are also equipped to handle various health conditions, including dementia. They have a team of qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses and therapists, who are familiar with the challenges of this condition.
Nursing homes St Augustine offer an environment where seniors can socialize with peers and build community. They do this through organized activities, group outings, and other events. This social interaction can help reduce loneliness and improve mental health. It can also lead to a better quality of life for your loved one.
Respite Care
Family caregivers face several challenges while caring for a loved one at home. This can lead to burnout and other health problems. Respite care offers a break for the primary caregiver while their loved one receives temporary care from a trained professional.
In-home respite care may include services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation to medical appointments. This type of care is available through home health agencies, nursing and assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, or individual caregivers.
A short-term stay in a nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, provides your loved one with a wide range of benefits. Residents receive 24-hour skilled nursing care, access to activities, a live-in caregiver, and specialized therapy. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Socialization
Nursing homes offer social opportunities and community interaction that can help prevent loneliness and isolation providing a relevant consideration for a retirement home. Typically, senior residents have access to group activities like card games and art classes. In addition to these social engagements, reputable facilities are focused on enhancing the quality of life for seniors through person-centered care, aligning their daily activities with their interests and hobbies.
Living alone at home can be mentally and physically draining for elderly loved ones. Nursing homes provide comprehensive support for daily tasks like bathing and dressing. This allows them to focus on engaging with friends and family, boosting their overall mood and happiness.
If you are considering a nursing home for your elderly loved one, check the facility’s website to see how often they have social gatherings. Also, visit the facility and discuss their work environment and experience with staff members.
Meals
CMS regulates the meals at nursing homes, so you can rest assured that your loved one will receive safe and nutritious food. A qualified dietary manager must approve menus for the home that meet recommended daily allowances of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Malnutrition is common in elderly people and can lead to muscle wasting, poor wound healing, heart and lung problems, reduced strength, and more. Regularly eating palatable and nutritionally balanced meals is critical for maintaining health and can help reduce malnutrition. Moreover, individuals with dysphagia, prone to inadequate food intake and malnutrition, benefit from using a liquid thickener for dysphagia, ensuring safe food consumption and addressing their specific dietary needs, thus promoting overall well-being.
In addition to three set meals daily, some nursing homes offer light snacks such as soup, salad, yogurt, bread, nuts, crackers, ice creams, or muffins. This is a great way to provide a variety of foods and encourage socialization around mealtimes.
Personalized Care
In addition to a wide range of specialized services that aren’t available in a home environment, nursing homes offer personalized care for seniors. Each individual’s needs are assessed, and a personalized plan is developed to help them live as comfortably as possible.
A personalized care plan may include specialized therapy like physical, occupational, and speech therapy essential for addressing various needs, particularly for individuals who need memory care. These therapies treat the underlying cause of pain, reduce discomfort, and increase mobility.
While some families are hesitant to move their loved ones to a nursing home, it can improve their quality of life and make the transition smoother for everyone involved. You must check in often with your loved one and attend family nights or meetings to discuss concerns.
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