Nursing Homes near Muncie, IN

Nursing Homes in Muncie, Indiana

Healthcare studies show that about 70% of residents in a nursing home are over the age of 65, and the same studies also show that the fastest growing age group in the country is the 70 and over group. That means more people are entering nursing homes every year, and they're living longer so their stay in the nursing home is longer than previous generations. When your aging senior reaches the point where a nursing home is the logical next step, you can be sure to find everything you need in Muncie, Indiana.

The Highlights of Muncie

Most people don't know it, but Muncie was the birthplace of the comic strip "Garfield." Although it is rarely mentioned, the story is set in Muncie where Jim Davis, the series' creator, lives. That's a big attraction for fans of Garfield, and many seniors love it. The city is also big on the arts and sports, and is home to the NCAA Division I Ball State Cardinals, as well as several performing arts theaters and art museums. The city is proud of its heritage with the Ball brothers, who brought their glass manufacturing business from Buffalo, New York to Muncie in the 1880's. The town named the local college after the brothers, and it continues to draw more and more students every year. This rich cultural city cares about its history, and still believes in old world values, such as caring for the elderly. As a result, the nursing homes in Muncie are resident-focused, and they provide plenty of activities and amenities to keep your loved one engaged and happy.

Nursing Homes in Muncie

The biggest objection most seniors have to nursing homes is that they don't want to feel like they're being institutionalized. The loss of freedom is difficult for seniors, and they want to feel in control of their own lives. On a basic level, nursing homes in Muncie offer many of the same services. Each one has a dedicated staff to help residents with their daily activities, they have medical resources, and they offer food, housecleaning services, and social activities for the residents. Beyond those basic services, several Muncie nursing homes offer more high-end amenities such as spacious apartments, stainless steel appliances, and different food and activity options.

Services Provided in Muncie

In general, services range from companionship to skilled nursing functions. Most agencies offer:

• meal preparation
• bathing and grooming
• toileting and incontinence care
• medication reminders
• mobility assistance
• laundry
• grocery shopping
• transportation
• housekeeping

Choosing the Right Nursing Home

When you have a loved one entering nursing home care, the pressure to find one that suits their personality can be exhausting. However, once you do find one that everyone agrees on, both you and your loved one will feel at ease. To find the right one, start with a list of absolutes - things the nursing home must have - and then research homes in your area. Schedule a tour of the ones that you like the most, and then narrow your list down based on those visits. To help you narrow down the list, visit with the program director of each facility and ask the important questions. These include:

• What is the resident to staff ratio?
• What safety features does the facility offer?
• Is the facility registered with Indiana, and are they in good standing with investigators?
• Do residents have access to drinking water on a regular basis?
• What sort of payment options does the facility take?
• What kind of activities does the facility offer residents, and how often are they planned?

There are many questions you may have when visiting nursing homes, and this list gives you a starting point. It's important to ask each facility the same questions so you can compare them on an apples to apples basis. Once you've visited all of the facilities, all that's left is to pick the one that both you and your loved one like.

It's understandable that many seniors may have reservations about moving into a nursing home. The industry hasn't always had the best reputation, and if families place their loved one in the wrong nursing home, it can make matters worse. However, when you take the time to understand what your loved one needs from a nursing home, you can find a place where they feel comfortable and supported. Muncie has a lot to offer the senior community, and the nursing homes in the area are no different.