| Given the constant increase in the percentage of | | | | as possible. Some even offer a private |
| aging population, it's only natural we start thinking | | | | apartment for each resident. There are a wide |
| about nursing homes. The Internet is an excellent | | | | array of activities and socialization opportunities, |
| guide towards senior living, offering a wide range | | | | dispersing any feelings of isolation. Nursing homes |
| of information and many health care options. | | | | are all about increasing and maintaining the quality |
| Experienced and dedicated placement specialists | | | | of life for an individual and these are the things |
| offer free consultations, helping direct one to the | | | | you should consider when searching. |
| right senior care option. In order to search for | | | | If you prefer to use the Internet as an online |
| available nursing homes, you will have to enter | | | | comparison resource, then make sure you |
| your name; the senior's name and your address | | | | explore all the options you are presented with. |
| (please include city and state). | | | | Find out all about the services offered and policy |
| You might be surprised to discover the number | | | | of the nursing home. Discuss about meals |
| of nursing homes represented online. The search | | | | (number of times per day, dietary needs and |
| process depends on the type of care you are | | | | snacks), sleeping hours and activities during the |
| interested in locating, and the individual needing the | | | | day. Ask about their policy regarding pets and |
| care. Nursing homes are recommended for those | | | | make sure you inquire about resident-oriented |
| who will need constant care, having specific or | | | | care (taking care of the patient more intimately, |
| multiple health problems and disabilities. When it | | | | responding to every need, medical or not). |
| comes to the elderly, nursing care is also required | | | | Apart from nursing homes, there are plenty of |
| for those individuals who will need help with almost | | | | other choices when it comes to senior residents. |
| all activities of daily living. | | | | One of the many examples that could be given is |
| Using the Internet is a great resource to discover | | | | represented by assisted living facilities. On a |
| available nursing homes in your area. You can find | | | | standard basis, they offer the same services as a |
| a facility where trained nurses are on duty, 24 | | | | nursing home but the personal care provided is |
| hours a day. In addition to an around the clock | | | | not constant (no need). Senior residents are |
| nursing staff, nursing homes may also have a | | | | monitored and have access to general personal |
| team of specialists comprised of: doctors, physical | | | | care which includes assistance with some or most |
| and occupational therapists, social workers and | | | | ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). ADLs include |
| other health care specialists, each working side by | | | | meals, bathing, grooming, dressing, meal |
| side offering their own special contribution. | | | | preparation and medication management. |
| | | | Assisted living is a modern concept, based on |
| Many people consider nursing homes to be similar | | | | ensuring the independence and self-respect of an |
| to hospitals. While these facilities provide health | | | | elderly/disabled person. |
| care for the elderly, nursing homes offer a | | | | When it comes to assisted living facilities, you can |
| degree of constant support and daily living | | | | use the same comparison service offered through |
| assistance in a long term fashion. Because nursing | | | | the Internet. Keep in mind that assisted living |
| homes offer long term constant care, it is | | | | communities are for those needing help with |
| important to consider several facilities before | | | | personal health care services but not for 24 hours |
| making a final decision. By using the Internet, you | | | | a day. There is no medical equipment for |
| can locate, compare and review multiple facilities, | | | | monitoring the residents. Other than that, |
| all at the touch of a button. | | | | everything is destined to provide the support an |
| Managed by people with experience, modern | | | | elderly person needs. Assisted living reduces |
| nursing homes have changed the way we | | | | depression and similar feelings felt by those who |
| perceive long term support and constant nursing | | | | have lost their independence. The same facilities |
| care. They are focused on each and every | | | | are designed for those who have been diagnosed |
| resident, trying to support regular living as much | | | | with Dementia or Alzheimer's. |