Nursing Homes near Bowling Green, KY

Nursing Homes in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Statistics show that the fastest growing age group is the 70 and over group, which means more and more seniors are entering nursing homes each year. The good news is that the health care industry has become more patient-centered, and that means nursing homes have gotten better, as well. When your loved ones need more help than you can provide, nursing homes make a great option. And, Bowling Green is a good place for seniors to settle into their new lives in a nursing home, too.

More about Bowling Green

Historically, the city started with about 154 residents, and it wasn't until the steamboat commerce expanded that the city began to grow. When the Civil War came around, Bowling Green tried to declare itself neutral. However, because of the city's prime location and resources, both sides sought control. When the Confederate Army came to occupy, they were surprised by the pro-Union feelings, despite many residents being against the Lincoln administration. Present day Bowling Green is home to several major manufacturers, including General Motors and Fruit of the Loom, which brings plenty of jobs to the city. In 2014, Forbes listed the city in the top 25 places to retire, and as a result, the nursing homes have stepped up their game. Bowling Green has also worked hard to ensure there are plenty of things to do, whether you're a resident or a tourist. There are plenty of community and swimming centers, museums, golf courses, and sports venues to keep everyone entertained. If you live in the area, it's a great place to consider setting up your aging loved one.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

Bowling Green is a medium-sized city, but there are several options for those who wish to reside in the area. Start by researching the available information online to create a list of places you're interested in. From there, visit each of the homes on the list to learn more about them. For example, one of the top 10 questions you should ask is whether the residents have the freedom to make their own choices. One reason seniors struggle with nursing home care is the fact that they lose their independence. Finding a home that allows residents the freedom to make choices should be at the top of your list because it will certainly be a concern for your loved one. Another question you should ask about is the home's policies. Are there restricted visiting hours? Are residents allowed to smoke? Can residents have individual rooms, or does the facility require roommates? If roommates are required, can the seniors pick their own roommates? Asking the hard questions gives you an idea of what the home is like, and how management reacts to those questions will tell you if the staff is easy to work with and honest. Also pay attention to how the residents react to the staff, and the manner in which the staff interacts with the residents.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing home care costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location, amenities, and other choices the family makes. Fortunately, Bowling Green is a reasonably priced city to live in, so the cost of nursing home care is cheaper there than other parts of the country. Even still, for those who haven't planned for nursing home expenses, $50,000 a year is an overwhelming amount of money. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Those who attempt to pay out-of-pocket tend to burn through their savings within six months of entering the nursing home which may lead to loved ones being discharged. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families can look into, as well.

Assuming that the financial end of the arrangement is all worked out, finding the right nursing home can be a good thing for everyone involved. It gives aging seniors the care and stability they need, and provides family members with peace of mind about the comfort of their loved ones. Although you may wish to care for your loved one yourself, you have your own life and responsibilities to consider. You may not be in a place where you can provide the level of care they need. Nursing homes can be a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time.