Top 5 Myths About Nursing Homes
As the population ages, more American families are faced with the prospect of putting an elderly loved one in a nursing home.
Because they often welcome people in their final, declining years, these facilities have a certain stigma attached to them.
Here are five popular myths about these senior living facilities.
Myth 1: They're Hospitals for Old People Fact: While it is true that nursing homes provide medical care, they are not hospitals because there are no patients.
The residents at these facilities are members of an active, engaged community of senior citizens who require extra attention and care.
They spend their days interacting with one another and with the staff.
They welcome friends, family members, and other guests into their own personal rooms.
The same cannot be said of hospitals.
For one thing, the environment in the average hospital is far more clinical.
There are no real communities.
There are only doctors, nurses, and patients.
Though they are far from perfect, nursing homes were designed for long-term living rather than temporary stays.
As such, they are far better suited to the needs of elderly patients with health issues than hospitals.
Myth 2: There's No Privacy Fact: Because rooms are often shared by two residents, it is true that there is typically less privacy in these facilities than in other types of senior housing.
It is also true that caregivers must enter individual rooms as needed.
With that said, there are many private areas that residents and guests can enjoy as desired.
All members of the community also have a right to keep personal property and belongings and to request more privacy as long as it doesn't interfere with their medical treatment.
Myth 3: They're All the Same Fact: This is simply untrue.
First and foremost, homes vary greatly when it comes to the level of care they provide.
Some facilities specialize in the treatment of certain diseases, such as dementia, while others offer more generalized care.
Some cater to more physically active residents while others care for those with chronic, debilitating health issues.
Myth 4: Insurance Will Pay for Everything Fact: Not all myths are bad.
It would be fantastic if insurance covered the costs of elder care, but the truth is that it rarely does.
In most instances, with most plans, only the first few weeks or months are eligible.
After that, the family of the resident must pay most of the cost out of pocket.
Myth 5: Residents Have No Rights Fact: As you might expect, residents at these facilities have the same legal rights as everyone else.
There's even a Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights that Medicare uses to delineate specific rights with regard to services, privacy, medical care, costs, and respect.
By debunking these popular myths, nursing homes can be more accurately portrayed as active communities where the elderly enjoy living.
Because they often welcome people in their final, declining years, these facilities have a certain stigma attached to them.
Here are five popular myths about these senior living facilities.
Myth 1: They're Hospitals for Old People Fact: While it is true that nursing homes provide medical care, they are not hospitals because there are no patients.
The residents at these facilities are members of an active, engaged community of senior citizens who require extra attention and care.
They spend their days interacting with one another and with the staff.
They welcome friends, family members, and other guests into their own personal rooms.
The same cannot be said of hospitals.
For one thing, the environment in the average hospital is far more clinical.
There are no real communities.
There are only doctors, nurses, and patients.
Though they are far from perfect, nursing homes were designed for long-term living rather than temporary stays.
As such, they are far better suited to the needs of elderly patients with health issues than hospitals.
Myth 2: There's No Privacy Fact: Because rooms are often shared by two residents, it is true that there is typically less privacy in these facilities than in other types of senior housing.
It is also true that caregivers must enter individual rooms as needed.
With that said, there are many private areas that residents and guests can enjoy as desired.
All members of the community also have a right to keep personal property and belongings and to request more privacy as long as it doesn't interfere with their medical treatment.
Myth 3: They're All the Same Fact: This is simply untrue.
First and foremost, homes vary greatly when it comes to the level of care they provide.
Some facilities specialize in the treatment of certain diseases, such as dementia, while others offer more generalized care.
Some cater to more physically active residents while others care for those with chronic, debilitating health issues.
Myth 4: Insurance Will Pay for Everything Fact: Not all myths are bad.
It would be fantastic if insurance covered the costs of elder care, but the truth is that it rarely does.
In most instances, with most plans, only the first few weeks or months are eligible.
After that, the family of the resident must pay most of the cost out of pocket.
Myth 5: Residents Have No Rights Fact: As you might expect, residents at these facilities have the same legal rights as everyone else.
There's even a Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights that Medicare uses to delineate specific rights with regard to services, privacy, medical care, costs, and respect.
By debunking these popular myths, nursing homes can be more accurately portrayed as active communities where the elderly enjoy living.
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