Nursing Home Facilities: Top 10 Myths

Nursing Home Facilities : 

Nursing Home Facilities Top 10 Myths

Myth #1: Nursing home facilities smell bad : 

Myth #1: Nursing home facilities smell bad Most good nursing home facilities rarely smell bad Usually taken care of promptly State inspection every 12-15 months Informal inspections by family, medical professionals on a regular basis Unpleasant odor should not be present on consecutive visits

Myth #2: Nursing home facilities are like hospitals : 

Myth #2: Nursing home facilities are like hospitals Nursing homes are residential facilities that provide medical care Less clinical environment Community living has a different feel than a hospital stay Activities to keep residents engaged, interacting Residents often form lasting relationships with neighbors

Myth #3: The people who live in nursing home facilities are all dying : 

Myth #3: The people who live in nursing home facilities are all dying Nursing homes provide continuous medical care Some elderly and terminally ill residents may be dying Not the case for all residents Many simply need a higher level of care than is offered at assisted living facilities

Myth #4: All nursing homes are the same : 

Myth #4: All nursing homes are the same All are different, despite stringent federal regulation Carefully research nursing homes you’re considering Differences can be good or bad Strong sense of community among residents Facility may not address problems affecting quality of life/quality of care

Myth #5: Caregivers can use restraints to control residents : 

Myth #5: Caregivers can use restraints to control residents Restraints only used when medically necessary for resident’s safety or safety of others Unlawful for nursing homes to administer physical or chemical restraints for any other purpose

Myth #6: Insurance will pay for my nursing home care : 

Myth #6: Insurance will pay for my nursing home care Depends on your coverage Medicare Pays 100% of the first 20 days Significant co-pay for remaining 80 days Only covers 100 days total Must meet requirements to be eligible After 100 days, you pay cost until you become eligible for Medicaid Some long-term care insurance will cover nursing homes Check your policy

Myth #7: There is no privacy in a nursing home facility : 

Myth #7: There is no privacy in a nursing home facility Less privacy than in other types of senior housing Most rooms shared by two residents Caregivers and visitors enter as needed/desired Nursing homes required to maintain a private area for visits with family/friends Most try to respect privacy Residents have privacy rights, may maintain personal belongings

Myth #8: Nursing home residents have limited rights : 

Myth #8: Nursing home residents have limited rights Nursing home residents maintain all of their legal rights Medicare has established Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights Respect Services and fees Money Privacy Medical Care

Myth #9: A move to a nursing home facility is a permanent move : 

Myth #9: A move to a nursing home facility is a permanent move Most nursing home facilities have wings for long-term and short-term care Long-term care for residents Short-term care for people recovering from illness, injury, or surgery requiring rehabilitation Permanent for some, many others return home after recovery

Myth #10: Nursing home residents are always on caregivers’ schedules : 

Myth #10: Nursing home residents are always on caregivers’ schedules Structured schedule allows caregivers to do their jobs efficiently More nursing homes are recognizing the need to address needs in a holistic manner Honoring dignity and preferences Empowering residents with more options and autonomy in setting their own schedules

SeniorHomes.com : 

SeniorHomes.com SeniorHomes.com is a resource for seniors and families searching for housing and care services Visit http://www.seniorhomes.com for more information on senior housing Information in this presentation provided by senior housing writer Nikki Jong