How do I know when it is time to consider a nursing home or assisted living center?
The decision to consider assisted living or skilled nursing typically depends on the availability and willingness of family to meet the needs of the person in care. When the care requirements of someone become too impractical for family, then it is time to seriously consider assisted living or nursing care. When an individual has mental or physical disabilities that make it unsafe to be without 24 hour care and supervision, then an assisted living center should be considered. When an individual has serious health issues requiring 24 hour nursing, then a facility with skilled nursing available should be considered. How I make sure the nursing home provides the level of care I need? Call the nursing home before-hand. Ask to talk to the head nurse. Ask if they they provide skilled or custodial care. Ask if a bed is available. It is a good idea to print the nursing home checklist from medicare.gov and simply run through the list of questions on the phone. http://www.medicare.gov/Nursing/Ch
