Nursing Homes near Springfield, IL

Nursing Homes in Springfield, Illinois

Studies show that more and more seniors enter nursing homes every year since the fastest growing age group in the U.S. is the 70 and up group. The good news is that nursing home care standards have improved in recent years, and the care has become more patient-centered. Additionally, nursing homes offer structure and order to a senior's daily care and routine. When you sit down with your loved one to discuss the possibility of moving to a nursing home, focusing on the positive aspects can greatly improve the conversation. For those who live in Bakersfield, there are plenty of options available for you and your family to choose from, which means it's easy to find a home that fits your loved one perfectly.

Discover More about Springfield

The city of Springfield was settled by European Americans around the same time Illinois became a state, and its most famous past resident was Abraham Lincoln. Some the city's top tourist attractions include several historical sites related to the late president. Springfield was founded by trappers and traders, but it was the American Civil War that made it a major center of activity. Regiments of soldiers trained there under Ulysses S. Grant. New businesses moved to the area, and the city began to grow. Thanks to tourism, the city has plenty of parks and recreational areas, theaters and performing arts centers, and it has a solid literary history, including Abraham Lincoln, Robert Fitzgerald, and William Maxwell, to name a few. Seniors moving into a nursing home in the area will have access to history and the arts.

Nursing Home Costs

In most of the country, nursing home costs average about $50,000 a year. Springfield's cost of living index is slightly higher than the average, so nursing home costs in the area shouldn't be too much more. There are a few options available when it comes to paying for nursing home care. Long-term care insurance is a popular choice because it significantly reduces the cost of paying for a nursing home out of pocket. After that, there is Medicare and/or Medicaid. Finally, and this should be a last resort, you can pay out of pocket. Whichever route you decide to take, be certain that it's the right move for you and your family.

Choosing the Right Facility

To start the process, make a list of non-negotiables. This may include things such as a secured facility, high quality medical services, or gourmet dining. If a facility doesn't meet your requirements, you can cross it off and move on to the next one. Contact the list of acceptable homes and schedule a tour. 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, either. It's important to know what the nursing home's policies are, and whether you agree with them. Finally, make sure your loved one is comfortable with the place. No matter how good it seems on paper, if your loved one doesn't like living there, you will experience issues in the future.

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 seniors age, it may become harder for you to manage and cope with it all, especially if they get sick. As their guardian, you have to think of what's best for them, and sometimes that means a nursing home. Nursing homes provide aging seniors a social, supportive environment, and give them a chance to live a higher quality of life than if they were living alone. These facilities 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, but you have to find one that fits their personality. Considering a loved one's needs and preferences during the search will make things easier, and provide everyone peace of mind.

Loved ones may not want to move to a nursing home when the subject comes up, but given the time to adjust, they may soon realize that living in a community of their peers is far better than living alone, especially if they need help with their daily activities. The first step is recognizing when your loved one needs additional help, and then finding a nursing home that works with their personality. A good nursing home takes your loved one's personality into account, and creates an individual care plan that meets their needs. Not only is your loved one well cared for, but you're given the peace of mind of knowing they're in good hands.