Nursing Homes near New Orleans, LA

Nursing Homes in New Orleans, Louisiana

People in the south are often used to taking care of their family, so the idea of sending them off to a nursing home can be a difficult one. But, the reality is that most people have their own jobs and other family members to look after, and it can be a challenge looking after an aging senior. When your loved one needs constant help with their daily activities, it may be time to seek the help of a nursing home. The move can be a positive experience for everyone if you spend enough time researching nursing homes. New Orleans is a place full of great places, including nursing homes, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the right one.

Living in New Orleans

Most people are familiar with New Orleans, even if they've never been there. The town is famous for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture, its diverse language and heritage, and its annual celebrations and festivals. It's one of the busiest, largest ports in the world, and it accounts for a significant portion of the nation's oil refining. Another boost to New Orleans' economy is higher education. Tulane University is a top-50 research university, and it has over 50,000 students enrolled. However, perhaps the largest part of the city's income is tourism. From the French Quarter to plantations and swamp tours, there is plenty to do and see in the city. New Orleans is susceptible to hurricanes, though. Anyone living in the area should always have an evacuation plan, just in case.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

New Orleans is a large city, and there are many options for those who wish to reside in the area. Research the available information online to create a list of viable options. From there, visit each of the homes on the list and ask the questions that really matter. For example, one of the top 10 questions you should ask is whether the residents have the freedom to make their own choices. One of the hardest parts for seniors in a nursing home 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. Another question you should ask about is the facility's policies. Are residents allowed to smoke? Are there restricted visiting hours? Can residents have individual rooms, or does the facility require roommates? Asking the hard questions gives you an idea of what the facility is like, and how management reacts to those questions is even more telling. You should 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. That is 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. New Orleans has a lower cost of living than other cities, but its medium income is also lower. Although nursing home care is cheaper, it is all relative to your income and circumstances.

Making the Big Move

When it comes time for the move, one of the best things to do is to hire movers. Seniors who've spent their entire lives in one house will have trouble letting go of their possessions, and packing can take some time. Hiring movers to take care of everything can save your family an emotional roller coaster, and allow you to spend more time with your loved one before they enter the nursing home.

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.