Nursing Homes near Fresno, CA

Nursing Homes in Fresno, California

When a parent or grandparent has reached a point where they can no longer care for themselves, it may be time to consider a nursing home. Most people want to help their family by themselves, but in today's society, it's hard. There never seems to be enough time in a day to take care of your own needs, let alone the needs of someone else. Besides, if your loved one needs assistance with their daily activities, they usually need someone to assist them full-time, which may not be an option for you. There are plenty of nursing homes in the Fresno, California area that can help your loved one through this stage of their life.

More about Fresno

Fresno is an interesting city because it is centrally located between Los Angeles and Sacramento. It offers culture, history, architecture, and the famous California weather. But, one of its drawbacks is that the area is well-known for its property crimes. There are several neighborhoods that are perfectly safe, but the city has had problems in the past. When considering nursing homes in Fresno, be sure to choose ones located in safe neighborhoods. The good news about Fresno is that it's actually cheaper than the rest of California. Anyone who lives in California knows that the cost of living is leaps and bounds above the national average. Fresno still surpasses the national average; however, it is about 15% cheaper to live in Fresno than the rest of California.

Choosing the Right Facility

Fresno offers a culturally diverse atmosphere, and there are plenty of activities available to seniors in the city. Create a list of nursing homes with the basic features you and your loved ones like, and then find out the specifics in person. Talk to the program director about the staff. How were they trained, what's the patient to staff ratio, do they genuinely care about the residents or is it just a paycheck to them? Once you feel good about the staff, figure out if the facility's policies resonate with you. Do you feel they are too strict, or maybe they aren't strict enough? Also, determine what level of care your loved one will receive, and how often you receive updates. Ensure the home you choose has plenty of amenities and activities to keep your loved one active. Finally, look into the safety and prevention features of the nursing home. Even in safe neighborhoods, it's important for the elderly to feel secure. If there are any concerns about the neighborhood or the home, it might be beneficial to consider other areas and other nursing homes.

Amenities and Activities

The amenities and activities available to residents of a nursing home are important. They keep the residents engaged by building a community for them. Many elderly come to think of the other residents as a second family. A good nursing home offers a wide selection of options including restaurant-style dining, social and recreational activities, landscaped grounds, a beauty salon/barber shop, game room, wireless internet, library, laundry, and housekeeping. For nursing homes located in Fresno, there are also shopping areas, recreational centers, parks, museums, galleries, and performance arts centers. Other options you might consider are rooming preferences. Many nursing homes require residents to double up with other residents in a roommate situation. If your loved one lived alone, this might cause some anxiety. Find out what your loved one's preference is, and look for nursing homes that match that preference.

Cost Considerations

Paying for a nursing home can be the biggest challenge for many families, but it doesn't have to be. It's helpful to know what to expect early so that you can prepare accordingly. The average cost of nursing home care is about $50,000 per year. But, remember that California is above the national average in cost of living, so Fresno will be more expensive than other cities in the U.S. Residents can expect anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 per year in Fresno, depending on the area and the amenities chosen. The best way to pay for a nursing home is with a combination of long-term care insurance and Medicare or Medicaid. They all have restrictions, which means it benefits families to look into these options early so they are all set when the time comes to move a loved one into a nursing home.

Aging loved ones already have enough to worry about, they don't need to worry about the level of care they will receive from a nursing home, too. It is important to choose one that makes both you and your loved one comfortable, but at the same time offers the best care available. Nursing homes should be an accepting, supportive community with compassionate staff and managers. Residents should be happy and relatively healthy, depending on their individual circumstances. There shouldn't be signs of neglect or abuse. The best way to discover what type of nursing home you're dealing with is to visit the facility and speak to the staff and residents.