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Nursing Homes Overview

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Nursing homes are also referred to as nursing facilities, extended care services, and health care centers. Nursing homes are no longer just for the elderly. The nursing home is for people needing long term care whether it is because of old age or health conditions. Nursing homes help people meet their daily physical, social, medical, and psychological needs.

As the aging population increases, we are faced with the reality that many of the elderly will spend their remaining years in a nursing home. Today, nearly two million elderly and disabled people are living in nursing homes. It is estimated that as many as two-thirds of the individuals residing in nursing homes have some type of dementia. Many nursing home facilities have special units that specialize in the care of residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Nursing homes also have many residents who are receiving short-term rehabilitation due to an injury or illness. These residents will hopefully be able to return to their homes after rehabilitation.

If at all possible, it is best to begin planning for long term care well in advance. Planning ahead will give you more control and help to make sure that your needs are satisfied and you can obtain good quality care for your loved one. Take the resident to visit as many nursing homes as possible before making a selection. Ask a lot of questions and make certain that you and the resident feel comfortable with the nursing home you select.

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