Nursing Homes near Dayton, OH

Nursing Homes in Dayton, Ohio

Moving a loved one into a nursing home can be a difficult time for families. There may be feelings of guilt, anxiety, and fear to name a few. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Making the move can be an exciting time when you find the right place. A nursing home should be safe, supportive, and engaging to the elderly. It should never feel like a prison or a hospital, though residents may receive medical care. Your loved one should have a community of people to interact with, and their life should be full of activities and socializing. When you find the right nursing home to fit your beloved senior's personality, you'll find the transition is much smoother than you could imagine.

More about Dayton

Dayton's economy thrives thanks to defense contracts, aerospace development, and health care. The Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Dayton is a large source of jobs and revenue for the city, but hospitals in the area account for a $6.8 billion economic impact each year. The city ranked number three in the nation for excellence in health care. It also ranked in the top 10% of the nation for arts and culture, which means there are plenty of museums, theaters, and architecture for the elderly to enjoy. The one downside to Dayton is the weather. It has hot, muggy summers; cold, dry winters; and it is susceptible to severe weather typical of the Midwestern United States, including tornadoes, floods, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms. Weather aside, Dayton provides a relaxing place for seniors to settle down.

Nursing Home Location

Just as in real estate, one of the most important factors of a nursing home is its location. Ideally, you want your loved one to be close to as many family members as possible so they have a solid support system. Regular visits help seniors cope with the changes in their lives, and shows that the family still cares about them. However, it is more important to have consistency in the senior's life, so if you have family members scattered across the country, it may make more sense to place your loved one in a home nearest the most responsible person. In that case, it's a good idea to encourage the rest of the family to write letters, send cards, and make special trips to see their parent or grandparent. Don't underestimate the power of family in helping a loved one cope with the changes inherent in nursing home care.

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 nursing home, even if it has everything you both want, you should consider other places. When 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

Families should have a realistic idea of what a nursing home costs. 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. Paying out-of pocket, especially when you haven't planned on it, is a burden that could cause you to go through your savings in about six months. Such an event can cause a lot of problems for families, so it is better to plan ahead. 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. Nursing homes are a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time. Besides, with the health care options available in Dayton, your loved ones will be well taken care of, and you can rest easy knowing they are happy and getting the health benefits they need.