Step 1: Decide if a Nursing Home Is Necessary

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Not all patients who need Assisted Living or Nursing Home care are elderly, and as such have no ability to access many of the proposed social programs. They have spouses who need to work and children living at home who's safety may be at risk.

Kevin Pinkham of NC 12:57PM March 24, 2010

Why would anyone ever recommend that the patient stay at home? How would that ever be preferable? First of all, there aren't any plans that cover long-term in-home care, and certainly none that provide coverage 24x7. When the caregiver is at work, or away, or needs to go out, who will take over and "mind the store"? When the patient is at home, what can they do on their own to stay healthy and occupied? At least in an Assisted Living or Nursing Home setting, they can participate in group activities, outings, arts & crafts. How are they to get around on their own? Transportation options are extremely limited, especially during the daytime hours.

Kevin Pinkham of NC 12:52PM March 24, 2010

My dad has Lou Garretts Disease. He is in a temporary rehab but we need to find a permant hame for him. he has lost all of his muscke strength and cannot wollk feed himself or even sit up without help. He requires 24 hour care. He's on medicare but the family cannot afford out of pocket expenses. where do we go from here?

Judy Carnahan of IN 11:02AM February 10, 2010

My mother has been diagnosed with stage four cancer and the hospital wants her to (a) go to a hursing home/rehab center to relearn how to get in and out of the bed and to the bathroom, by herself. Have a listing from her insurance company but after looking into them was horrified at the ratings and comments they had.
I know my mothers health will decline rapidly once placed in that setting even if it is temporary till she relearns how to manuver on her own. What is a family member to do in such a predicament?
How do we get this health care/rehab system better?

thomas thomas of PA 5:59PM February 08, 2010

i live in scranton , pa. and i wanted to know if holy family residence (little sistes of the poor) is good choice for aloved one in my family if needed.

charlotte bannon of PA 8:05AM November 09, 2009

Thank you for pointing out the resources available to families in addressing this important question. A geriatric care manager can be very helpful in assessing the needs and offering options, particularly for long distance caregivers. The peace of mind that comes from having a caring professional to coordinate care and communicate regularly is priceless! The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has excellent resources for caregivers to help you get started.

Nancy Iannone of AZ 1:49PM October 07, 2009

we are 71 yr`s old, my wife has vasculer dementia for the past 4 yr`s.also suffers a very bad balance problem and falls alot,she has been very lucky she hasn`t been serriously hirt until 3 weeks ago when i did not feel the bed move and woke up to tell her to step before grabbing the safty bar by our bed, she fell foward and hit her head on the bathroom tile floor.thethe loud thud woke me,when i reach her she was out cold, holding her in my arms and gently patting her face she started to awake.she is recovering from swelling and bleeding in her skull.it`s to apoint that i don`t think i can take care of her any longer. we both have had bypass surgury,i myself complete replacement knee. she can no longer walk by her self or shower or dress her self. thank you for listening. ralph

ralph & patricia iannuzzi of NJ 8:43PM October 05, 2009

http://hubpages.com/hub/Medicare-5-Star-Rating-for-Nursing-Homes

rb of OR 4:25PM September 29, 2009

start here when looking for a nursing home - and for tips on what to do after puting a loved one in a home -

rb of OR 4:23PM September 29, 2009

Do not assume that the most attractive facility is the best. Spend some time there morning, afternoon, and evening, to see what the general care level is. Are patients with dementia isolated so their screams or unease are harmiing others nearby? I have three relatives in nursing homes now. And some are better. Some are cash cows and hire too many people with little training . Is a nutritionist available? How is the overall quality of food? Most spend 3 to 6 hours in the dining area, some out of loneliness, others just to get out of their confinement in the rooms. Are the facilities properly staffed at night? Many become ill at night, and without care, can be very vulnerable. Would you live there if you had to? If not, check another facility. They want to keep the places full for maximum profit, so all will feed you a good line.

mark shinkle of CO 7:05PM July 11, 2009