Nursing Homes near Augusta, GA

The city of Augusta was named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, wife of Frederick, Prince of Wales. Over the years, Augusta developed rapidly as a market town, and developed large cotton plantations for short-staple cotton. The city's climate includes short, mild winters with hot, humid summers, so cotton was one of the only plants that could survive the weather. Augusta is best known for hosting The Masters golf tournament each spring. It is the most prestigious tournament in the sport, and it's one of the four major competitions each year. But, Augusta also has several disc golf facilities, so even those who prefer something a little more active have options, as well.

The Benefits of Nursing Home Care

There are many benefits of nursing home care that many seniors may not think of when the idea is initially presented. One of the primary benefits is that they have someone to assist them with their daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Although that might push the boundaries of their independence, they also have assistance with laundry and house cleaning. They may not realize what a relief it is not to worry about these things until it's pointed out to them. In addition, they will have an opportunity to interact with others in their peer group, which gives them an opportunity to make new friends, find new hobbies, and enjoy life in a new way. Many nursing homes provide outdoor activities, day trips to parks and museums, and some may even offer activities like gardening, yoga, or Qigong.

Choosing the Right Facility

Your focus should be on finding the right facility for your loved one, and making sure you're both comfortable with the facility. First, decide what you and your loved one want in a nursing home. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu that offers high quality food, options for day trips, medical care, evacuation plans in the event of inclement weather, and so on. Next, narrow down your possibilities based on those desired qualities. Once you have a few places picked out, contact them for visits. Ask questions about the home and the staff, and pay attention to the residents. Also, it's important to know what the nursing home's policies are, and whether you agree with them. Find out if the nursing home encourages and allows its residents the freedom to make certain decisions for themselves. One of the hardest parts of nursing home care for seniors is the fact that they lose their independence. It's hard to accept, so to help seniors feel more comfortable, more nursing homes allow them to make some of their own decisions. It gives seniors an opportunity to feel they are still in control of their lives, which can go a long way to smooth out the transition.

Paying for Care

Georgia has an average cost of living index, but it also has a high instance of poverty. Paying for nursing home care can be a challenge for many people, so it's best to start preparing as early as possible. Long-term care insurance is the best way to go as it covers the majority of nursing home care. After that, Medicare and Medicaid are the next best options. Georgia has its own rules about qualifying for them, so you should contact the state's offices as soon as possible to see how your loved one can qualify. Only as a last resort should you consider paying for a nursing home out of pocket. Experts say that families who pay out of pocket are barely able to keep up with payments for six months before funds run out. It's stressful, financially draining, and there are better options available.

Loved ones moving to a nursing home often feel abandoned by their family, but families can help them overcome that feeling by finding a home that suits them. When you take the time to care about your loved one's preferences, what's really bothering them, and then acting on those things in a compassionate manner, they will understand that although they don't want to live in a nursing home, it may be the best place to meet their needs. The earlier you can plan for nursing home care, the more time they have to adjust, which also helps them overcome their feelings of abandonment. Either way, it's helpful to make sure that you visit your loved one and reassure them regularly. As they adjust, the hurt feelings will subside, and they may even find they like living in a nursing home.