"Concentrates on the positive aspects of nursing homes and offers strategies for identifying the best facilities--a guide for maintaining and improving relationships between the elderly and their families"--Provided by publisher.

As more people live longer, the need for quality long-term care for the elderly will increase dramatically. This volume examines the current system of nursing home regulations, and proposes an overhaul to better provide for those confined to such facilities. It determines the need for regulations, and concludes that the present regulatory system is inadequate, stating that what is needed is not more regulation, but better regulation. This long-anticipated study provides a wealth of useful background information, in-depth study, and discussion for nursing home administrators, students, and teachers in the health care field; professionals involved in caring for the elderly; and geriatric specialists.

While life in a nursing home is rarely considered a first choice, at times it's the best choice. Still, the decision to put a loved one in a home is incredibly difficult. This book concentrates on the positive aspects of nursing homes and offers strategies for identifying the best facilities. Among the topics covered are how to recognize signs that a family member needs extra support, determining whether in-home care is a viable option, the different types of long-term care, working and communicating with the staff and preparing for the end of life. The book includes exercises for working through emotional reactions to the nursing home decision and how to maintain and improve family relationships in these circumstances. Uplifting stories of people and staff in nursing homes illustrate the concepts in the book, which is clearly written and filled with practical and positive advice.

People go to nursing homes for different reasons, including if they're sick, hurt, had surgery and need to get better, or have chronic care needs or disabilities that require on-going nursing care. "Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Care" can help you make informed decisions about nursing home care, whether you're planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision. Before you get started: You may have other long-term care choices, like community services, home care, or assisted living, depending on your needs and resources. Before choosing a nursing home, you can check to see if one of these other options is available to you or if they might help after a nursing home stay. For more information on your long-term care choices, see Section 3. If you have Medicare: Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care stays in a nursing home. See Section 5 for more information. If you have Medicaid: You may be eligible for home and community-based services covered by Medicaid. You may also be eligible for in-home, long-term supports and services if you have a disability, regardless of your age. See Section 5 for more information. Not all nursing homes are certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. See pages 47-52 for more information on how programs protect nursing home residents.