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A Consumer's Guide to Nursing Facilities
Assessing Your Needs
By planning ahead you can find the quality of care and quality of life that you desire in a nursing facility for yourself or your loved one.
Today's nursing facilities (often referred to as nursing homes, extended care services, or health care centers) serve the young and old alike, both those who expect to recover fully as well as those in need of extended long term care services. The goal of care in a nursing facility is to help individuals meet their daily physical, social, medical, and psychological needs and to return home whenever possible.
Whether you're thinking about a nursing facility for a relative, a friend, or yourself, this guide will help you make the best selection.
Services
Four basic types of services are offered by nursing facilities:
Medical Care
Residents in nursing facilities are under the care of physicians, who visit
regularly and are responsible for the residents' overall plan of care. Physicians
certify the need for nursing care and may serve as a resource for information
about long term care facilities in the community. When individuals enter
the facility, physicians write orders for necessary medication and play a
role in the development of the residents' care plan, including restorative
and rehabilitative procedures, special diets, and treatments. Every nursing
facility has a medical director on staff who can address medical issues and
other concerns with the patient, the patient’s attending physician
or family. Nursing and Rehabilitative CareAll nursing facilities require the professional skills of a registered or licensed practical nurse. Nursing services include assessment, treatments, injections, coordination of care, and medication administration. Rehabilitative services such as post-hospital stroke, heart, or orthopedic care are available in addition to related services such as respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Dental services, dietary consultation, laboratory, x-ray, and pharmaceutical services are also available.Personal CarePersonal care is provided to residents who need help with various activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and eating. Certified nurse assistants provide many of these services.Residential CareResidential care services include general supervision, provided within a safe and secure environment, along with a variety of with a variety of programs to meet the social and spiritual needs of residents.
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