Nursing Homes near Huntington Beach, CA

Nursing Homes in Huntington Beach, California

Although nursing homes had a bad reputation in the past, the health care industry as a whole has turned much of that around. Care is more patient-focused, menus provide whole, healthy foods, and medical care is often non-invasive. The improvements have gone a long way to change the image of nursing homes, and now families can feel confident when the time comes for their loved ones to enter care. For those in the Huntington Beach area, there are plenty of nursing homes to choose from.

Living in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is primarily known for its 9.5-mile stretch of sandy beach, mild climate, and superb surfing conditions. The waves are affected by weather patterns year round, which makes surfing ideal, and it has earned the nickname "Surf City". The city was originally established as a cattle route for the ranching business, and to encourage settlement in Alta, California. Thanks to the beaches and the surfing, it developed into a tourist destination, and the city became more than just a stop in a long journey for ranchers. One of the most interesting occurrences in Huntington Beach was when an encyclopedia company gave away free parcels of land to people who purchased an entire set of encyclopedias for $126. The buyers got a lot more than they bargained for when oil was discovered and there was a big push for oil development. Despite the fact that the reserves in the area are all but depleted, you can still find oil rigs throughout the city. As for events around the city, the majority of them revolve around surfing and the beach. There are some museums and movie theaters around town, but the beach and the weather are the biggest draws of the city.

First Steps

When the time comes that you need help caring for your loved one, begin your search by writing out what you and your loved one require in a nursing home. This might include a gated community, individual living spaces, whole foods specific to your loved one's diet, or even certain activities. Once you know what you want in a home, it's easier to weed out the ones you don't want. You can get referrals from friends and doctors, or you can start your search online. Either way, it gives you a preliminary idea of what to expect. As you continue to research nursing homes, you can use your list of requirements to help narrow down your options. When you find a place where your loved one feels safe and welcomed, but still has some of their independence, then you will both have peace of mind that you made the right decision. Meet with the directors of the nursing home and get a sense of how things operate. Watch the residents as you look around. Also, take your loved one's feelings into consideration. If they absolutely hate a place, regardless of what you think, it might be better to seek another facility.

The Costs of Nursing Homes

As you may know, California is one of the most expensive places in the United States. Huntington Beach is no different, and unfortunately, that does affect nursing home costs. The cost of a nursing home in the area should fall in the average price range of $50,000 to $75,000 per year. If you and your family plan ahead, you can purchase long-term care insurance to cover the cost of a nursing home so you don't have to worry about the financial piece of it. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek out Medicare or Medicaid, although California has its own rules about that so it's best to look into it early. Statistically, most people burn through their savings within six months of placing a loved one in a nursing home. It's better to have insurance cover the costs when possible.

Nursing home care is a big step for most families, and finding the right home is key to making the move successful. The good news is that nursing home care has improved significantly over the years, which means that seniors can expect to find a genuine home and not just a facility that tends to their needs. Although nursing homes do handle their residents' daily activities, they also create a social environment for the seniors, giving them a built-in support system. It helps aging seniors to know they're not alone as they deal with the changes of their new life.