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Services Provided by Nursing Homes

from: Kyle Besser

Nursing homes provide 24-hour care to individuals who cannot take care of themselves or be cared for at home but don't require the types of services a hospital provides. In most cases, a doctor supervises the care in nursing homes, and state boards of health regulate the nursing homes.

Nursing homes offer laundry, housekeeping, medical services, daily meals, and a wide assortment of planned recreational activities. Trained staff assist residents with their personal and daily activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, eating, using the bathroom and regulating medications.

Nursing homes can offer short-term or respite care. Long-term nursing home care generally costs $50,000 and up. These costs are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance. In general, nursing homes offer the following senior services:

Medical Help

Residents are treated by their own private doctors, but every nursing home usually has a doctor available on a 24-hour emergency basis. Legally competent residents have the right to have the final say in any matter affecting his or her health.

Hospitalization

Most nursing homes have an arrangement or set up procedures with a nearby hospital to handle patients if they become seriously ill. All aspects associated with an emergency, such as transportation and paramedic first aid, should be planned in advance.

Nursing Services

Registered nurses usually direct all nursing services. They are assisted by licensed practical or vocational nurses. Nurse aids and assistants take care of assisting the residents' bathing, eating, dressing and other personal needs.

Physical Therapy

Many nursing homes have physical therapists on staff to help residents gain lost abilities like walking, talking, or even dressing.

Activities

Nursing homes provide an assortment of activities for residents that include games, movies, crafts and classes. Some nursing homes offer field trips for residents who are able to participate.

Personal Grooming Services

Most nursing homes gives residents access to specific grooming services like barbers and beauticians.

Social Services

Most nursing homes have a social worker as a staff member or as a consultant to help residents adjust to the community. Social workers are also available to provide financial senior information services.

Religious Services

Depending on the type of nursing home, religious services might be offered in the nursing home itself, or residents are given the opportunity to meet with clergy of their respective faiths.

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