If your elderly loved one is struggling to take care of themselves, then it may be time to consider a skilled nursing home facility. Medicare covers this type of care and can be paid for by Medicaid.
Skilled nurses can help manage long-term health concerns like medication management and more. In addition, they can provide a higher quality of life for seniors who cannot be fully cared for at home.
Personalized Care
When an elderly loved one has a long-term set of care needs that cannot be met in their own home, it is often best to place them in a skilled nursing facility. This will ensure that they have around-the-clock supervision and get the medical attention needed to stay healthy and happy.
This skilled nursing home facility Missouri can also offer personalized care plans for their residents. This means caregivers can consider their routine and comfort level when caring for them. For example, a hard-of-hearing person may benefit from being seated near the TV when watching movies, or a woman with dementia will be more comfortable if she is greeted by her name when being moved from one room to another.
In addition to personalized care, these facilities can provide other services, such as physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and wound care. These are all important components for ensuring that seniors can live the life they deserve and maintain their independence.
24-Hour care
Whether your loved one needs round-the-clock care or some assistance, nursing home staff can provide it. They monitor their health care needs daily and night, providing therapy services as needed and taking over general medical management tasks.
Twenty-four-hour care can help prevent falls, fires, and other safety hazards while seniors are at home alone. They can also offer socialization in a safe environment, which helps keep their cognitive abilities intact. They can participate in group activities during the day and at night, giving them a sense of purpose.
Many family caregivers are too tired to provide the level of care their loved ones need at home. This is especially true if they have other children living far away or if their parents have dementia and are unable to communicate well enough to know when they need assistance. In-facility doctors can also help when an emergency occurs, so your elderly family member will always receive the best care.
Socialization
The benefits of socialization for seniors go beyond keeping their minds sharp and reducing the risk of dementia. Studies have shown that seniors who stay isolated have a greater risk of chronic diseases and death.
Many seniors become isolated for a variety of reasons. Some have physical ailments that make walking or driving difficult. Others have lost a spouse or are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic or other losses that make it hard for them to socialize.
Nursing homes allow seniors to get the care they need in a setting where socialization is encouraged. They also provide access to meals and other activities encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, all skilled nursing facilities must have a registered nurse to supervise patients’ medical needs and administer medications. In addition, each state has an ombudsman who oversees long-term care. These experts are a family resource and can help you find the right home.
Emergency Care
A senior’s safety is paramount in any care facility, and skilled nursing facilities are no exception. They have the staff and resources to handle an emergency safely. They have chain of command systems to begin the appropriate protocol, such as calling 911.
Besides providing skilled medical care, many homes also provide rehabilitation services. These services help seniors recover from illnesses or injuries and regain their independence. They include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Additionally, some skilled nursing home facilities can manage a ventilator and help someone wean off it.