Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes provide long-term care for those with numerous assistance needs. Services include medical, nursing, personal care, social, and assistance in activities of daily living (ADL). They are generally reserved for patients not needing acute care but who need more attention than is provided in an assisted living facility. Today, about 40 percent of long-term care is in a nursing home for some period of time. (1) The balance is given in a home health care situation, adult day care, or in an assisted living facility.

Nursing homes are primarily engaged in providing nursing care and related services on an inpatient basis under a license issued by the Department of Public Health or the appropriate licensing agency of the state in which it is located. They provide a range of services from very skilled care for those seriously ill requiring close medical attention by a licensed nurse, and as little as custodial care provided by a nursing assistant.

In 2009 nursing home costs were between $72,000 and $78,000 a year, which is about $200 per day. Frightening numbers for most of us to consider! And yet, women have a 60 percent greater chance than men of entering a nursing home. (2)

To see the average cost of care in 2009, in your area please visit The MetLife Market Survey on Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care Services and Home Care Costs.

Sources:
1. http://www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main_Site/Understanding_Long_Term_Care/Basics/Basics.aspx#needs
2. http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Money/6-07-18-WomenBear.htm