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en EspaņolFinding the right nursing home
MyZiva.net will help you identify the nursing homes in your area. We will also provide you with the information you need to make an appropriate choice for you and your loved ones. Nursing homes have become more diverse and dynamic in recent years, catering to various age groups, with an increased focus on short-term care. When you look for a home, keep in mind the following:
A New Generation of Nursing Home Care for Your Generation
Nursing Homes aren't just nursing homes anymore. They offer a wide array of services that can meet your and your loved one's individual needs.
These services, ranging from short-term to long-term stays, may include the following:
- Alzheimer's Unit
- Chronic Care
- Dementia Unit
- Dialysis
- Head Trauma
- HIV/AIDS Care
- Hospice Care
- Huntington's Disease
- Mental Health Services
- Nutritional Services
- Physical Therapy and Other Rehabilitative Services
- Post-Acute Care
- Ventilator Unit/Respiratory Care
Many different professionals work in nursing homes:
- Certified Nurses Aides
- Certified nursing personnel who provides direct care to the resident related to their daily activities such as personal hygiene, grooming, eating, and toileting.
- Dentists
- Usually examine and treat residents in the home on a regular basis to ensure good oral and dental care.
- Dietitians
- Health professionals who monitor the nutritional status of the resident. At a minimum they possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program and thereafter do an internship at various health care institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes. They are usually registered by the American Dietetic Association.
- Nurses (LPN)
- A licensed nurse at a different capacity who works with the Registered Nurse under the direction of a physician and provides care to the resident.
- Nurses (RN)
- A licensed professional who provides health care under the direction of a physician. They usually manage the resident's overall plan of care in the nursing home.
- Speech Therapists
- Involved in rehabilitation related to the development and disorders of speech, voice, swallowing, and/or language.
- Physical Therapists
- Health care professionals who evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. They usually possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program and must pass a state-administered national exam.
- Occupational Therapists
- Evaluate and assist the resident in regaining the maximum level of function with regard to a specific disability. They are licensed health care professionals.
- Primary Care Physicians
- In nursing homes are usually doctors who specialize in internal or general medicine responsible for the medical care of the resident in the nursing home.
- Recreational Therapists
- Qualified individuals, who, at a minimum, possess a baccalaureate degree in recreational therapy accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation body. They are usually certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation.
- Social Workers
- Concerned with the initial and continued adjustment to the nursing home. They possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Many have master's degrees and oversight by a Certified Social Worker (CSW) is required.
- Specialists
- Usually consultants who are experts in their own fields, such as a cardiologist or psychiatrist. They evaluate the resident and make recommendations to the primary care physician in providing better care for the resident.
Specialized Care
Many nursing homes offer special services, so when deciding; select several nursing homes to visit that will offer the services you are looking for. If possible, include your loved one in the selection.
Location, Location, Location
You may want to select a nursing home close to your home. It is important for you to be able to visit your loved one with ease. Check for the location of local hospitals, specialists, etc. Are you comfortable with the proximity to the nursing home?
Other Sources of Information
As you begin your search for the ideal nursing home there are several avenues available to obtain information. If your loved one is in a hospital, you can speak with the hospital discharge planner, who can suggest several nursing homes that may meet your needs. Elder care lawyers, your doctor, clergy, ombudsman, the Department of Social Services and your local library can be very helpful. You can also speak with people in the community regarding their experience with the nursing homes of interest to you.
During your search keep asking questions every step of the way.