| What
is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home is an entity that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to people with illnesses, injuries or functional disabilities. Most facilities serve the elderly. However, some facilities provide services to younger individuals with special needs such as the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and those requiring drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Nursing homes are generally stand alone facilities, but some are operated within a hospital or retirement community. Nursing Home Services The level of care provided by nursing homes has increased significantly over the past decade. Many homes now provide much of the nursing care that was previously provided in a hospital setting. As a result, most nursing homes now focus their attention on rehabilitation, so that their clients can return to their own homes as soon as possible. Some of the services a nursing home may provide include: Therapies (Inpatient and Some Outpatient) Physical therapy Pharmacy Services Equipment Rental Specialty Care Alzheimer's treatment Special Services Home health care Other Senior Care Options Maybe a nursing home is not the best solution at this time. Fortunately, the range of senior care options continues to expand to better meet the care and financial needs of individuals. Some of the alternatives that may be available in your area include independent living, congregate care, assisted living and home health care. Nursing Home INFO is currently expanding its databases to provide similar search tools for the entire continuum of senior care. Independent Living Independent living is for people who can take care of themselves and includes residing in one's own home or apartment, a retirement community, or independent living apartments. Congregate Care Congregate care is similar to independent living, but features a community environment, with one or more meals per day prepared and served in a community dining room. Many other services and amenities may be provided such as transportation, pools, a convenience store, bank, barber/beauty shop, resident laundry, housekeeping, and security. Assisted Living (See also Assisted Living INFO) Assisted living provides apartment-style accommodations where services focus on providing assistance with daily living activities. These facilities are designed to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing home care, and provide a higher level of services for their residents including meals, housekeeping, medication assistance, laundry, and regular checks-ins. Intermediate Care Intermediate care is nursing home care for residents needing assistance with activities of daily living, but without significant nursing requirements. Skilled Nursing Skilled nursing facilities are traditional nursing facilities that provide 24-hour medical nursing care for people with serious illnesses or disabilities. These facilities are state-licensed and care is provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aids. Continuing Care
Retirement Communities (CCRC) or Life Care Communities (LCC) These communities are planned and operated to provide a continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing. The facilities allow individuals to live within the same community as their needs progress through the spectrum of care. Sub-acute Care Sub-acute care is intensive nursing care for patients recovering from surgery or illness patients receive this care in a nursing home setting. Hospice Care Hospice care is a combination of facility-based and home care provided to benefit terminally ill patients and support their families. Hospitals In addition to traditional services, many hospitals offer skilled or sub-acute nursing services either in their facility or on their campus. Respite Care Respite care is provided on a temporary basis to allow a primary care provider or family member relief for a few hours or days. Adult Day Care Adult day care programs provide meals and care services in a community setting during the day while a caregiver needs time off or must work. Out-patient Therapy Many facilities offer the same therapies provided in a nursing home on an out-patient basis. For those choosing a home-based option, out-patient therapy may be a necessary professional service. Home Health Care Home health care is provided in an individual's home by outside providers and aims to keep the individual functioning at the highest possible level. Services range from basic assistance with household chores to skilled nursing services.
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