Choosing an Alzheimer’s Nursing Home

Perhaps you have been caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease in your own home, desiring to be able to do this for as long as possible. As the disease continues to progress, however, you are realizing that it’s becoming more than you can handle without skilled help. You’ve come to the difficult decision that it’s time to look into finding an Alzheimer’s nursing home.

There are many different types of nursing homes, so you’ll need to do some research to find the best one for your needs. The various facilities offer a wide range of services designed to meet the medical, social, and emotional of the elderly and the disabled. When your loved one needs round the clock medical care, an Alzheimer’s nursing home is the best choice.

Nursing homes offer two basic types of care. The first is basic care, which provides patients with help in performing their daily routines (bathing, dressing, meals, etc.). In this type of facility, your loved one will be closely supervised and kept safe. The second is skilled care, which requires that registered nurses are always on duty. They can perform treatments and procedures beyond what CNAs are capable of. Skilled care facilities also enlist the services of other medical professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists.

An Alzheimer’s nursing home, regardless of whether it provides basic or skilled care, can offer a variety of services, and these vary with each facility. These services will often include:

• Monitoring of medication


• Room and board


• Assistance with personal care


• Recreational activities (games, entertainment)


• Physical activities


• Interdenominational church services


• 24-hour emergency care

Deciding on the best Alzheimer’s nursing home takes time and thought. It’s best to start the search process earlier than you are ready for it, so you can sift through all the options in a timely manner. Talk with other family members and caregivers about what the priorities are for your loved one.

When you make a call to an Alzheimer’s nursing home, have your checklist ready. Be sure to ask if they have openings, or if not, if there is a waiting list. You’ll want to find out about their particular admission requirements, the exact level of care provided, and whether they offer financial options. Many offer government-funded programs that your loved one might qualify for.

While choosing an Alzheimer’s nursing home is a time-consuming and challenging process, keep in mind that you are making the best decision at this stage of the disease for both your loved one and yourself. Don’t feel guilty for turning your loved one’s care over to someone else. The Alzheimer’s nursing home that you choose will provide safety and care for your family member, as well as a great deal of support and peace of mind for you.