The selfless act of caring for an ailing parent can be a daunting task, particularly if it is your turn to provide such attention.
Your parents are no longer physically capable of taking care of themselves. But, you still need access to a nursing home that offers the best possible level of assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing as well as providing companionship when necessary – all while ensuring their safety remains paramount!
To ensure that your loved ones receive the finest care possible in their final years, it is essential to carefully evaluate various nursing homes in North Carolina so as to make an informed decision regarding which facility will provide them with optimal care. To assist you in this process, we’ve compiled this guide with all the necessary information about choosing the ideal care setting for your kin; from facts relating to facility ratings on Medicare’s website to explanations regarding required insurance coverage – everything has been addressed!
Find out How Many Nursing Homes are in Your State
North Carolina has a total of 23 nursing homes in operation as of March 2018, which makes it an accommodating state for those seeking care.
Nursing homes are divided into three categories: independent living facilities (ILFs), assisted living facilities (ALFs) and nursing homes; each coming with its own set of distinct benefits and drawbacks.
Independent living residences offer a variety of services to assist caregivers with the daily activities of their lives, including assistance with personal care and medication management. Assisted living facilities offer more comprehensive levels of assistance for seniors who require additional assistance with daily tasks – but these facilities do not confine residents to them. Nursing homes provide long-term care services such as providing round-the-clock care for elderly individuals.
Decide on Your Budget in Order to Find the Best Nursing Home for Your Parents
It can be quite a daunting task to choose a nursing home for seniors in North Carolina, but with some simple calculations and an eye on your budget, it’s possible to locate the best match. Start by establishing exactly how much money you have available – then take stock of what needs to be spent before construction is even begun!
The average cost for long-term care in North Carolina is $83,100 per year, though this figure varies from state to state; those residing in Tennessee spend the most at over $96,000 annually. You’ll want to determine the level of care desired for your parents’ stay. If it will be a brief interlude or longer-term arrangement – such as for extended recovery after hip surgery – it may make sense to allocate funds accordingly.
Once you’ve figured out your budget, find out if you qualify for any assistance programs that might help put a dent in expenses. Medicaid and Medicare are two examples of federal assistance programs available to many individuals and families; they could provide substantial relief during periods of extreme need.
Pick a Close By Nursing Home for the Right Level of Care
To find the ideal nursing home for your parents in North Carolina, consider their health concerns and evaluate where they live. Find a local facility that provides care that adheres to their needs as well as takes consideration of any pre-existing conditions.
Ensure that you are aware of the different nursing home categories: levels of care and facilities within your region. Make sure that an employee can explain the difference between each level so that you may choose accordingly!
Consider Relatives and Friends who Have Already Lived at the Nursing Home
If you lack the experience needed to select a proper nursing home for your parents, consider employing the assistance of their friends or relatives. These individuals may have firsthand knowledge about the facility or can provide invaluable insight into its operation. Additionally, they could also fill any gaps in your knowledge base by providing an overview of the facility’s facilities and amenities; after all – this is essential when making any important decision!
Have no doubt – many senior citizens’ loved ones are eager to assist with their choice of an appropriate nursing home. If possible, enlist them for help during the selection process so that they may be apprised of any concerns prior thereto.
Research Reviews Provided by Medicare
We’ve alluded to Medicare’s consideration earlier, yet it bears repeating that this health insurance program is immensely valuable when selecting a nursing home.
This federal insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage of some or all of your family member’s medical expenses incurred while in a facility; however, it does not include food and beverage items which can run into hundreds – even thousands – of dollars daily! Furthermore, if any additional costs such as medication is required after admission into the facility or during its stay – these must also be accounted for accordingly.
Upon approval, Medicare will send an allowance every month to cover the cost of their care while residing at the nursing home. When you consider that an enticingly low average daily rate (ADR) is set for North Carolina facilities ($862), it becomes readily apparent that it could be quite profitable undertaking providing elder-care services through the government insurance provider.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal healthcare program for individuals and families with limited incomes. Medicaid provides free or low cost medical care to those who are financially disadvantaged.
Medicaid is accessible for eligible patients in North Carolina, even if their resources fall short of $1,500 per month – this does not necessitate any specific pre-existing conditions be met; therefore assistance can be found for virtually any health predicament. Applications for financial assistance can be submitted by relatives seeking help caring for their elderly family members as well as by physicians providing assistance to patients whose insurance coverage lapsed while undergoing treatment within the last six months.
and Other Resources
If you are apprehensive about confronting your parents’ health condition or simply seeking assistance, seek out reliable resources. Some helpful websites and telephone numbers exist which offer assistance related to senior care options and facilities.
If it’s more convenient for them to stay in the nursing home, there’s no need for anxiety over selecting the ideal facility. After all–someone else will be taking care of their life!
Call the State’s Department of Health
If you have yet to procure professional assistance with finding a home for your elderly parents, then now may be an opportune time. The State’s Department of Health has a wealth of resources available on its website regarding senior care facilities in North Carolina; they provide information on various aspects such as costs and amenities associated with each locale along with details about which homes offer health assessments without incurring undue expenses.
The Health Department is also equipped with tools that can assist you in conducting an assessment of your parents’ level of competence – what it means to possess sound judgment when selecting the best place for them.
Conclusion
Although no two cases are alike, there are several distinct types of nursing homes in North Carolina. Some residents may prefer a homelike atmosphere; others may revel in association with other individuals with similar afflictions. Still others may revel in having 24-hour assistance such as personal aides or devoted volunteers on hand at all times! Your choice should be guided by what is most appropriate for each individual situation – making it even more crucial to evaluate carefully before making any decisions whatsoever.
For those seeking an assessment of a potential nursing home placement for their loved one, or simply have questions about the state’s facilities, we can provide assistance. Please reach out to us via phone or email for more information.
