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Consumers
Topics in this section:
- Long Term Care: Continuum, Placement and Admission
- Consumer Information from the American Health Care Association
- Find A Nursing Facility
- Did You Know?
Long Term Care: Continuum, Placement and Admission
What You Should Know
PLANNING FOR LONG TERM CARE
At some point in their lives, most people find a home where they plan to stay for the rest of their days. Unfortunately, all too often, people find they must give up their homes due to declining health. Every day more and more older adults and their grown-up children face these difficult decisions. Becoming familiar with the options available is the critical first step in the decision making process.
CONTINUUM OF CARE
Most people are aware of the two ends of "Continuum of Care", independent living and hospitals. Other options that may not be as familiar are in between. Home health care services, that can extend the time spent at home, range from professional medical care to assistance with dressing or bathing. Assisted living centers and adult care homes (rest homes) are non-medical dormitory-like living arrangements where facility staff is available to help with "activities of daily living". Nursing facilities (nursing homes) are a medical environment one step removed from hospital care to address the physical and medical needs of the facility's residents. Retirement communities and other combination type facilities are also available. Choosing among the various options is a complex decision involving factors such as services required, facility location, and cost. Although the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association is primarily a nursing home association, many of its members also provide other levels of care.
LONG TERM CARE
Deciding to enter a long term care facility is often a traumatic experience for the resident and the family. The decision to enter a nursing home, because of its medical emphasis, is often the result of a medical problem. Admission may be the next step in recovery after a stay in a hospital, or it may be a necessity because of continuing decline in physical condition. Guilt and depression are not uncommon feelings for the resident or the family. Nursing home staffs are very capable of helping work through these difficult times.
PLANNING FOR PLACEMENT
Nursing facility admission, because of its medical environment, requires the involvement of a doctor. The doctor should be consulted to obtain guidance related to the most suitable environment for care to be given. If nursing home placement is appropriate, facilities in the area should be contacted to set up an appointment for a tour of the facility. Information on various facilities should be gathered well before the hospital determines the patient is ready to be discharged. Not all facilities accept payment from Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration Benefits, and other forms of insurance. Qualification requirements for these programs are very stringent. Contrary to popular belief, Medicare only pays for a small percentage of nursing home stays. The North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association and its members in your area can be very helpful in this process.
ADMISSION
Medical and financial information are required prior to admission to assure that the move to the nursing home will be as smooth as possible. Doctor's orders are required at the time of admission to detail medications, special treatments, etc. The resident and/or family member will be required to provide admission information and acknowledge information provided by the nursing home. Resident rights, charges, services, and many other subjects will be discussed during the admission process.
SERVICES
Many services are provided by the nursing facilities at a cost that is typically much less than the same services can be provided to an individual in a private residence. Medical services such as medication administration, wound dressing changes, restorative nursing care, and special treatments are provided by nursing homes along with nutritionally balanced meals, social services, and activities. Dental services, eye care, podiatry, physical/speech/occupational therapy, among others, are also available. A resident's care is based on a resident care plan that is prepared by a multi-discipline team of professionals to make sure the resident receives the appropriate services. Resident and family involvement in the care planning process is encouraged.
WHAT NEXT?
If quality long term care is what you are looking for, a North Carolina nursing home is the place to find it.
LET US HELP YOU ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT NURSING HOMES
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