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If you have an aging parent who requires regular care or medical assistance, you may have considered two options: home health care or a nursing home. If you’re considering the latter, it’s important to conduct extensive research to ensure your loved one can live comfortably on your budget.

With more than 15,000 nursing homes in the United States, it can be hard to narrow your options. To help, Lifetime Care — a home health and hospice care provider serving New York’s Finger Lakes region — offers a few key questions to ask as you explore residences.

Touring Nursing Homes as a Home Health Care Alternative

Do You Hold Medicare Certification?

Medicare certification is a stamp of approval found at many nursing homes across the country. To become certified, a nursing home must meet all federal regulations that help ensure residents receive reliable medical assistance and clean accommodations. If you’re using Medicare to pay for these resources, the facility must be certified.

What Medical Resources Do You Offer?

home health careNursing homes offer considerable medical services to cover the health and wellness needs of aging residents, but it’s important to get the specifics as they relate to your parent’s care. For example, you may want to find out if they offer acute rehabilitation services in the event of an injury or if specialists are on staff to provide care for specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s or diabetes.  

Are You a Non-Profit Facility?

While the majority of nursing home facilities are for-profit institutions, it can sometimes be a better fit for your parent to work with a non-profit center. Non-profits must maintain financial viability; however, they tend to be less expensive and provide more community-based care than a for-profit facility.

What Programs Do You Offer Residents?

Since most nursing homes are designed for long-term residences, it’s important to make sure your parent will have enough to stimulate their mind and body. Centers that offer comprehensive wellness classes, light fitness, and social events can be great choices, as they will help ensure that your loved one can maintain social activities.  

What Are Your Policies?

Specific policies vary from nursing home to nursing home, and certain rules may change depending on the level of care your parent requires. Typically, you’ll want to ask about the basics, such as when visiting hours are, if pets are allowed, and if meal times are strict.

While there is a lot to consider about long-term nursing home care, remember that there are other options that may work for your needs. If your parent can maintain some independence at their own residence, they may also be a candidate for home health care. To learn more about these options, call Lifetime Care at (585) 214-1000 to speak to a specialist.

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