New York is the cultural and financial capital of the world, and it is the city that never sleeps. Home to the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and Broadway, there are plenty of attractions in the city to keep people busy. New York's history is rather interesting as it started out covered by a sheet of ice that would eventually split apart into what is now Staten Island and Long Island. From the early tribes who inhabited the land to the Europeans who claimed it, the area underwent several names. It became the military and political home base for the British during the American Revolutionary War, and the British only strengthened its hold on the area after the Battle of Long Island, in which the Americans lost. After the war, an influx of immigrants from around the world brought huge cultural differences to New York, and the city grew exponentially. Industrial restructuring saw the loss of many jobs, which led to economic problems and rising crime rates, but the resurgence of the financial industry, particularly Wall Street, improved the city's economic health. The city is a mecca for art, entertainment, culture, and political movements. Overall, the city can provide seniors with tremendous life experiences they wouldn't get from other cities.

Doing What's Best for Your Loved One

Despite your desire to care for a loved one, you have a life and responsibilities, as well. As they age, it will become harder for you to manage and cope with it all, especially if they are sick. As their guardian, you have to think of what's best for them, and if you can't commit to the level of care they need, then you must consider a nursing home. Nursing homes can provide aging seniors a social, supportive environment with individuals in the same situation as themselves. It gives them a chance to live a higher quality of life than if they were simply stuck at home. Nursing homes provide activities, social outings, and events for seniors to keep them active and happy. Your loved one can have a comfortable life while staying at a nursing home, you just have to choose the one that fits them best.

Choosing the Right Facility

It's never easy to make the choice to put your loved one in a nursing home, even when you know it's the right thing to do. You should focus on finding the right facility for your loved one, and making sure you are comfortable with it, as well. First, make a list of your non-negotiables. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu that offers high quality food, options for day trips to theaters and museums, medical care, and so on. Next, narrow down the possibilities based on your list. If a facility doesn't have your non-negotiable items, you can cross it off. Once you have a few places on your list, contact them for visits. Ask questions about the facility and the staff, and pay attention to the residents. You will get a vibe that lets you know whether you should stay or not. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions. It's important to know what the nursing home's policies are, and whether you agree with them. Be sure to find out if the nursing home encourages and allows its residents the freedom to make certain decisions for themselves. One of the hardest parts of nursing home care for seniors is they fear losing their independence. To help seniors feel more comfortable, more nursing homes are allowing seniors to make more decisions. It gives them an opportunity to feel they are still in control of their lives, which can go a long way to smooth out the transition.

It's important to pick a place close to family, and to visit as much as possible to help them transition to their new lifestyle. It won't take long, provided you've picked the right facility, because they will have a more active social life, and probably spend time enjoying things they'd never done before. Those in New York often find themselves experiencing new adventures and visiting new places, even if they've lived in the city their whole lives.