Here are some common questions (and answers to those questions) that caregivers often have about skilled nursing, also known as nursing homes.
What exactly is skilled nursing?
Find a Nursing Home »
Skilled nursing homes are residences designed to house and assist individuals who have health conditions that require constant monitoring and availability of medical personnel. Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes or extended care services, provide 24-hour supervision, meals, activities and health management support for their residents. Some senior living communities offer designated residences and specialized care for people with Alzheimer's or dementia.
What's the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
While nursing homes provided the highest level of care for seniors outside of a hospital, assisted living is best for seniors who need some help with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and eating, but do not require 24-hour-a-day health care by doctors.
When it is time to consider a nursing home for your parents?
A nursing home may be a good choice if:
- Both medical and personal care needs have become too great to handle at home or in another senior living community. This may be due to a recent hospitalization, or a chronic illness which has gradually been worsening.
- Your parent needs a higher level of care temporarily after a hospitalization, but it's anticipated you will be able to return to home or another facility after a period of time.
What can mom or dad bring with them?
The skilled nursing facility will provide all of the furniture your elderly parent needs in their apartment. However, to make it feel like home, most skilled nursing centers encourage residents to bring personal items such as family photos, a familiar bedspread, and treasured knickknacks.
If possible, visit the skilled nursing home before your parent moves in, so you can see the physical layout, sizes of the rooms, amount of closet space and any furniture or household items that are included. Obtain a list from the residence of suggested items to bring, as well as a floor plan.