Nursing Home Basics
Let’s face it, no one really wants to
be in a nursing home. But the reality is
that nursing homes play a key role in
our health care system. Deciding which
home you or your loved one is going to
reside in is a very important decision. Get
the best care you can. Learn all you can.
WHAT IS A NURSING HOME?
A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing
facility, is a place that provides 24 hour care.
These facilities provide skilled nursing care,
personal care, custodial care and rehabilitative
care to persons who are ill, recuperating after
surgery or physically weak.
WHO NEEDS A NURSING HOME?
There are generally two kinds of people that
need a nursing home.
1. People who are recuperating after a hospital
stay from an illness or injury. Many
times a person has limited time to find a
nursing home before being discharged from
the hospital. Family and friends usually help
in the nursing home search and evaluation
process by visiting the nursing homes while
the patient is still in the hospital.
2. People who need 24 hour intermediate or
custodial care, more care than an assisted
living facility or home care can provide. The
person needing this kind of care may not
have an immediate time constraint placed
on them to find a nursing home. When this
situation occurs, proper time can be taken to
thoroughly evaluate which home is right for
their care needs.
This Section Includes:
• What Is a Nursing Home
• Who Needs a Nursing Home
• Nursing Home Overview Criteria
• Finding a Nursing Home: The Process
• Nursing Home Quick Tips List
NURSING HOME OVERVIEW
CRITERIA
Three things you should understand before
residing in a nursing home.*
1. Educate yourself about the nursing homes
you are considering. On page 33 of the nursing
home section in this guide is an extensive
“Questions to Ask” Comparison Worksheet
that allows you to evaluate three facilities you
are considering. If your time frame for finding
and choosing a nursing home is limited, you
should at least use our Nursing Home Quick
Tip List of five key considerations about a
prospective facility. (See page 30)
2. Understand costs and financial considerations.
• What services and products are covered by
your insurance(s)?
• How long are you covered for?
• What charges are you responsible for paying?
• What does your long-term outlook, look like?
(In terms of care needed and financial future.)
3. Know your rights and responsibilities as a
patient in a nursing home. See Florida’s long
term care ombudsman program at ombudsman.
myflorida.com/residencerights.
*For more detailed information go to www.PolkElderCare.com
28 www.PolkElderCare.com