Nursing Homes near Dallas, TX

Making the decision to move a beloved golden ager to a nursing home is an emotional one that can also cause a little tension in the family. There are many factors that go into the decision, but the bottom line is about finding the right care for aging parents and grandparents. Once the family makes the decision, there are four principles to keep in mind. First, the ideal nursing home should be conveniently located to as many family members as possible. Second, it should provide the highest possible care for all medical conditions. Third, it should provide seniors with a welcoming, supportive environment. And fourth, the cost is manageable and the facility accepts payments from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and savings.

Living in Dallas

Dallas was one of the most important cities in Texas because it was the center of the oil and cotton industries, and it was positioned along several railroad lines. It is also one of the largest inland cities without any links to the sea, but it still remains the fourth largest employment center in the nation. Although most of the tragedies in Texas occurred in San Antonio, Dallas did see President JFK assassinated in 1963. The city turned the Texas School Book Depository into a museum dedicated to the former president's life and accomplishments. Present day Dallas offers a diverse selection of entertainment options and boasts some of the tallest buildings in Texas. The interesting architecture and number of activities available makes it a great place for nursing homes.

Location

Level of Care Provided

The next consideration you should have about nursing homes is the level of care provided to the residents. As individuals age, they need more attention and, sometimes, medical care. If your loved one has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other illness, you want to ensure the facility can take care of them. The best way to do that is to ask. Find out what certifications the nursing home has, what kind of training they provide for the staff, what type of certifications the staff has, if there is a medical doctor on hand, what happens if someone needs to be taken to the hospital, and so on. Once the staff answers your questions, you can compare the facilities on like terms.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing, and if it's not, it's probably not the best place for your loved one. Parents and grandparents should be able to connect with the other residents, and with the nursing home staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one hates the facility, even if it has everything you both want, you still should consider other places. If your loved one is stressed out about their living arrangement, it could make things worse for their health and cause emotional problems within the family. It's better to find a nursing home with a caring, supportive atmosphere that your loved one enjoys.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing homes cost. The average annual cost is $50,000 and rising, depending on location and amenities. That's an overwhelming amount of money for many families, especially those who haven't planned for it. 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 means the senior must move out. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should 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 most people would like to be able to care for their parents or grandparents themselves, they also have to think about their lives and what's feasible. Nursing homes can be a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time.