Nursing Home Law: Nursing Home Alternatives

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Nursing Home Alternatives

A nursing home can serve as a place of recovery following a hospital stay-or as a permanent residence for those who are too weak or ill to live at home on their own. But before moving ahead with your search for a nursing home, consider whether or not it's an absolute necessity. Has your elderly loved one's condition been thoroughly evaluated? Is it possible that she can remain at home, given the proper support system of family, friends and health care providers?

Remember to involve the prospective resident in any decision-making process regarding nursing home placement, even if he has difficulty expressing his wishes. Since most individuals would prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes, it's important to consider all of your options before choosing a long-term care facility. Below are some nursing home alternatives to think about.

In-Home Services

Home health agencies provide health and medical services to ill or disabled individuals through in-home visits. The types of services provided include respiratory therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and general nursing care. A home health agency may also bring certain medical supplies to the patient, although these are generally limited to medications prescribed by a physician.

There are also other services within most communities that make remaining at home a viable alternative for the elderly patient. These include homemaker and companion services, shopping and errand services, senior day care and Meals on Wheels programs.

Learn more about home health agencies and community services for the elderly by contacting The Area Agency on Aging (call the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116 to obtain the number for your local branch).

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities provide elderly individuals help with the tasks of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, taking medicine, and using the bathroom. Patients live largely independently-in their own room or apartment-within an assisted living complex. Recreational and social activities are typically provided at these facilities, and most have health care services on site. Although not all assisted living facilities provide the same scope of services, they are often a great option, giving seniors more choices and freedoms than they might receive in a nursing home.

Find out more about assisted living facilities in your state by contacting The Area Agency on Aging (call the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116 to obtain the number for your local branch).

Subsidized Senior Housing

There are state and federal programs available which subsidize housing designed specifically for senior individuals. These non-medical facilities provide assistance to residents who require help with basic tasks like shopping, laundry and errands. The residents of subsidized senior housing live a fairly independent lifestyle, residing in apartments within a housing complex.

Learn more about subsidized senior housing programs in your state by contacting The Area Agency on Aging (call the Eldercare Locator hotline at 1-800-677-1116 to obtain the number for your local branch).

(CCRCS) Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Also known as Life-Care Communities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities provide different levels of care based on a resident's needs. These levels of care include everything from apartments that offer independent living to assisted living facilities. Where a resident lives depends on their changing health care needs, and they may move from place to place over the course of their membership in a CCRC.

For accreditation information and advice on selecting this type of community, call the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission at 1-202-783-7286 or visit www.ccaconline.org.

Hospice Services

Hospice services, which emphasize comfort over cure, are a special way of caring for terminally ill individuals. Seniors who qualify for hospice care can obtain a range of professional services such as counseling, pain management, medical care, and housekeeping help. Hospice care provides support for both patients and their families, helping them cope with end-of-life issues through a team of counselors, home health aids, social workers and physicians. While hospice care is sometimes provided in a hospital or dedicated residential facility, patients can often remain in the familiarity of their own home.

More information about hospice can be found on The National Hospice and Palliative Care website at www.nhpco.org.