In recent years, the elderly population has been growing in California and throughout the rest of the United States. Despite this trend, many people think that nursing homes and other senior care facilities are a form of neglect or abuse for seniors. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Seniors today have more options for healthcare than ever before including government-funded nursing homes and private facilities alike.
This blog post will explore how these institutions provide a valuable service to senior living in California by helping them live their best lives possible through the elderly care.
What Is a Nursing Home?
As defined by Merriam-Webster, a nursing home is “a hospital or institution that cares for people who are sick or who have mental problems.” The term can refer to any building that provides housing and medical care to seniors with low income.
In California, there are hundreds of these facilities located around the state and many owned by longtime philanthropist Shlomo Rechnitz. The following are some of the benefits that nursing homes provide to seniors in California:
General Benefits that Nursing Homes Provide
1. Affordable Housing
Nursing homes are generally inexpensive, especially when compared to the cost of private institutions. Although it varies by location, seniors can expect to pay about $7000-10000 per month for full-time care in a nursing home.
2. Safe Housing
Due to their small size and more frequent check-ups, nursing homes provide seniors with a safe and secure housing option. Although they do not offer as much freedom as living independently, seniors generally enjoy their time at nursing homes because of other advantages that these facilities provide.
3. Medical Care
The staffs employed by nursing homes specialize in caring for seniors and other medical conditions. These workers can administer medication and provide seniors with other forms of medical care that they might otherwise be unable to receive.
4. Socialization
For better or worse, nursing homes are places where many people who are not related congregate together under the same roof. Although this may make some seniors uncomfortable, it can be an excellent boon for seniors who want to build a support network and socialize with other individuals.
What Types of Institutions Provide Senior Care In California?
In addition to the universal benefits associated with all nursing homes, there’s also an influx of specialized nursing homes that cater to those seniors who experience unique circumstances or face specific health issues. The following institutions are some examples:
Specialized Nursing Homes in CA
1. Specialized Rehabilitation Facilities
Rehabilitation centers provide low-cost housing and medical services for seniors recovering from surgery, accidents, disease, or similar conditions. These institutions allow patients to recover, learn skills, and receive exercise without getting overwhelmed by normal society.
There is usually less emphasis on recreation and more focus on recovery at these institutions than other options like nursing homes. However, they do not provide medical services like nursing homes and primary healthcare facilities.
2. Hospice Care
Hospices are places where ill or dying patients can go to receive palliative care and support. They often do this by providing seniors with the most comfortable living conditions possible so they can rest in their final days. Some may argue that hospices give up on life too soon and marginalize the value of life, but it is an undeniable fact that many seniors today prefer to spend their last few weeks in a hospice than at home under basic care.
3. Primary Medical Care Facilities
Compared to specialized nursing homes, primary medical institutions usually provide more comprehensive services at a lower cost. Seniors who need regular treatments such as physical therapy and dialysis will appreciate the added convenience of having services available at primary healthcare facilities.
4. Board and Care Homes
These are low-income housing facilities that cater to seniors who need assistance with daily living. Although these institutions only offer three basic levels of care, they cost significantly less than nursing homes and maybe a preferable choice for those seniors who want to remain independent but require extra assistance.
5. Adult Daycare Centers
Seniors who want to socialize or maintain some form of independence can find it by going to adult day centers. These facilities allow seniors to join after breakfast and stay all day until dinner without needing supervision. Many centers even provide transportation so that seniors do not have to leave the facility if they choose not to.
6. Retirement Homes or Independent Living Facilities
Seniors who want to live independently but still have medical support can find it with retirement homes. These institutions are essentially nursing homes for seniors who can care for themselves fully. Most of them provide housekeeping services, transportation, and other amenities that allow seniors the freedom to do as they please without being monitored 24/7. However, even these institutions have rules regarding drug use, eating habits, and visitors.
Despite numerous resources available for the elderly in California, it was hard to deal with Covid-19 since they were at a higher risk of contracting the disease and developing severe symptoms. However, measures have been put in place, and things are getting back to normal.
Conclusion
No matter what institution you choose to place your loved one is, there’s always an option that will provide them with the aid and care they need. However, it is essential to remember that nursing homes are not necessarily better than other institutions. Some ills associated with all nursing homes may also be prevalent at other institutions, so select ones that provide the best of both worlds. Also, the decision to place strangers in one’s home is often a difficult one. Still, if both parties are agreeable to it, there are ways to facilitate an arrangement that will benefit everyone involved, not only financially but emotionally as well.