Myths And Realities About Nursing Homes

NEW Truths about Nursing Homes

The nursing home of today is a far cry from that of yesteryear. The new standards for nursing homes of quality include a positive atmosphere, options for care and life-enriching activities for residents.
The images of a nursing home as a dreary place full of listless residents is outdated. You'll be surprised to learn how nursing homes have changed with the times. Sort out the myths of the past from the reality of today.

DISCOVER the myths and the Realities...

A good nursing home makes "choice" a priority. Can a resident sleep in? Can residents enjoy favorite foods regularly? Is there freedom to join in or abstain from activities?

Look for staff members who smile at the residents, their visitors and at each other. This most likely indicates an environment that includes choices. A caring and dedicated staff makes even the most passive residents aware of options and encourages their active participation in the decisions of daily living.

Myth

Nursing-home residents have no rights.

Reality

By law, nursing-home residents do have rights. A list should be available to every resident and family member admission or at any time upon request. Residents or their advocates should be aware of these specific rights.

Rights may vary from state to state. At the least residents should have rights to:

. Considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
. An itemized bill and explaining of all charges.
. An interpreter, including for sign language
. Complain without fear of reprisals.
. Treatment without discrimination.
. Decline treatment and to be told what effects this may have on their health.
. Complete information about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
. Refuse to take part in research
. Privacy and confidentiality of all medical records.
. Emergency Care.
. Make known their wishes about resuscitation, nutrition, hydration, and anatomical gifts.

See our patients bill of rights.

Myth

A nursing home is where people go to die.

Reality

More than ever, nursing homes are places where people go to LIVE! There are many different levels and types of care available to families who recognize that it is no longer safe for a loved one to keep living independently at home.

Everything from the decor to social activities reflects a homelike atmosphere in today's nursing home. There are many more choices than in the past, and far fewer restrictions.

Many homes separate residents according to their capabilities. Able residents can participate in hands-on activities, interact with children and community groups, enjoy pets that either visit or live at the facility, and go on outings to community events.

Myth

A nursing home is a depressing place

Reality

At many nursing homes, the staffs work hard to make them visually and socially stimulating. You can find nursing homes that are cheerful places where residents and staff focus on living in the present and enjoying their days together.

Get copies of the home's principles, policies and procedures from the admissions staff. Ask residents and hands-on staff about their feelings about the place. They will tell you if the facility is living up to its claims.

High staff turnover, a fear of speaking openly, or restrictions on whom you can speak with are warning signs of a home that is depressing and may not practice what it preaches.

There is enough competition today to ensure that you can find a high-quality nursing home where loved ones will be well cared-for in pleasant surroundings, by people who welcome your scrutiny of their facility.

Myth

Nursing homes are all alike.

Reality

Differences in fees, facilities, staffing, programs and amenities are detailed in directories that rate nursing homes on a number of criteria. A home should have federal and state surveys available for your inspection. These specify the areas and severity of deficiencies, and the home's plan of correction

These reports and other resources, as well as you own observations, will help you make the best decisions for your needs and those of the prospective resident.

As you observe interactions between staff and residents, be sure to look for evidence of integrity, quality, patience, gentleness, diversity, advocacy, creativity and joy.

There are nursing homes that live up to your high expectations, but you must make the effort to find them.

Myth

Nursing homes never discharge residents.

Reality

Today, nursing homes discharge people under many circumstances. Some facilities provide transitional care. People spend six to eight weeks at home following a hospital stay, perhaps for a stroke or joint-replacement surgery. They get therapy and medical support that promotes recovery. Their progress, nutrition and state of mind are monitored daily. When their rehabilitation is complete, they are discharged.

Sometimes residents who enter a skilled nursing facility in a frail condition make such remarkable progress they are able to return to an apartment or senior living center where they can enjoy greater independence. While these cases are the exception, they happen more often than ever before.

Some facilities provide interim care for people for just a few nights or few weeks, providing relief to home caregivers.

Myth

Nursing home residents have no choices.

Reality

The old image of a nursing home is that of a place where there is little regard for personal preference or differences.

Today, most nursing homes function in a more enlightened manner, affirming each individual's dignity and the positive impact of choice on quality of life.

Evidence of self-determination and personal choice is a sign of a good nursing home. Flexibility in policy and procedure takes more time, but it enhances the quality of life.

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