Nursing Homes near Aurora, CO

Colorado is the place for those who like to be outdoors, and Aurora offers much the same to its residents and tourists. Just within the city limits there are more than100 parks, six award-winning municipal golf courses, and historic farms and nature centers. However, just in case the outdoors isn't attention-grabbing enough for those considering a nursing home, the city also has a large arts program. There are performance theaters, movie theaters, a museum, and an orchestra. Something else to consider for residents in Colorado is the fact that marijuana is legal in the state. Those who use it for medicinal purposes will not have to worry about prescription issues, although nursing homes may have their own policies on the herb's use. Whether residents are looking for an outdoor experience or something in the arts, there are plenty of reasons to consider moving to a nursing home in Aurora.

Choosing the Right Home

As mentioned before, the key to a successful transition is by finding a home that fits your aging loved one's life. First, decide what you and your loved one want in a nursing home. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu that offers high quality food, options for day trips, medical care, and so on. Once you have a few places picked out, contact them for visits. It's important to know what the nursing home's policies are, and whether you agree with them. Also, find out if the nursing home encourages and allows its residents the freedom to make certain decisions for themselves. One of the hardest parts of nursing home care for seniors is the fact that they lose their independence. It's hard to accept, so to help seniors feel more comfortable, some nursing homes allow them to make a few of their own decisions. It gives seniors an opportunity to control a part of their life.

Paying for Care

Paying for nursing home care can be a challenge for many people, so it's best to start preparing as early as possible. Long-term care insurance is the best way to go as it covers the majority of nursing home care. After that, Medicare and Medicaid are the next best options. Florida has its own rules about qualifying for them, so you should contact the state's offices as soon as possible to see how your loved one can qualify. Only as a last resort should you consider paying for a nursing home out of pocket. Experts say that families who pay out of pocket are barely able to keep up with payments for six months before funds run out. It's stressful, financially draining, and there are better options available.

Making the Move

Moving into a nursing home can be an emotional process for seniors because they're leaving the home they've probably spent the majority of their adult life in. If they're moving from a house, they'll have more stuff than they can take with them, so they'll need to downsize. This is a great time to spend with them so you can reassure them their new journey will be a positive experience. Helping them make difficult decisions about which items to keep and which to give away will speed up the process. Once you choose a nursing home, you'll know exactly how much space you have, but you can certainly start the downsizing process early so your loved one can take their time.

Loved ones moving to a nursing home may feel abandoned and unloved. It's important to pick a place close to family, and to visit as much as possible to help them transition to their new lifestyle. It won't take long, provided you've picked the right facility, because they will have a more active social life, and probably spend time enjoying things they'd never done before. Seniors in Aurora have a lot of activities available to them, and they can see and experience the city in a completely different way than tourists, just by living there.