Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are commonly referred to as skilled nursing or long term care facilities.  In the United States there are more than 18000 nursing homes. Nursing homes are regulated both on the state and federal level. They have licensed nurses therapist and nurse aides working within their facilities.

Nursing homes have been around for many years. When they first began they were funded by private individuals as well as donations. In the mid 60’s Medicaid and Medicare began in the United States. Many of the homes of that time decided to accept Medicaid and Medicare in have become what we now know as nursing homes. There are various types of nursing homes some of which are skilled Rehabilitation, long term care, and memory care.

Skilled Rehabilitation

Nursing homes that offers killed Rehabilitation provide therapy for residents on a short-term basis. These facilities have physical therapist occupational therapist in speech therapist on staff. They also provide nursing care in general care to their residence. People enter these facilities with intention of improving their health after a major life event. They are afforded a short period of time to work with these skilled professionals with the intention of improving and returning to a former living environment. Oftentimes rehabilitation facilities and long-term care facilities are within the same walls and allow residence to move from Rehabilitation into long term care.

long term care or skilled nursing

These are facilities that are set up to help their residence with additional care needs that they may not be able to provide for themselves. They have skilled nurses and licensed CNAs working with the residence. They have the ability to care for someone that needs more care than what an assisted living environment would be able to do. Long-term care communities have many activities and opportunities for their residents to interact with each other and the staff in a positive way. This facilities cost often times greater then what an assisted living facility would cost however they are able to provide greater care.

Memory care units

Oftentimes within a skilled facility they will have memory care. This is a section of the building that is monitored and locked for the residents safety. They are able to care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s with a great deal of needs. These units are a great place for someone who needs skilled care that is greater than that offered in assisted living.

Nursing homes are a great place for seniors who need a lot of care. They offer a much better environment than a hospital and provide many activities to help their residence enjoy their surroundings. They are able to do more care than any other senior living environment. End with the help of Medicaid and Medicare they can also be a very affordable option for seniors who are in need of great care.