Nursing Homes near Newport News, VA

Nursing Homes in Newport News, Virginia

Statistics show the fastest growing age group to be the 70 and over group, which means more seniors are entering nursing homes each year. Although the topic of nursing home care may be a sensitive subject, it's important for families to be on the same page. At some point, your loved one will need help with their daily activities, and despite the fact that you may want to help them yourself, you may not have the time or the training necessary to help them. Nursing homes have a dedicated and trained staff on hand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist their residents, so you can rest assured that your loved one will be in good hands.

More about Newport News

There are many folktales surrounding how Newport News got its name, although no one knows its origins for sure. The name "Newporte Newes" first appeared in the Virginia Company records in 1619, which makes it one of the oldest colonies in the New World. However, the most popular folktale is that the city got its namesake from Captain Christopher Newport, commander of "Susan Constant," one of the three ships that landed on Jamestown Island in 1607. One of the best parts of Virginia is its scenic views. The state experiences all four seasons, but nothing so extreme that they can't be enjoyed by residents. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, as well. It provides all of the conveniences of a large city, but offers the serenity of a country setting.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

It's true that nursing homes didn't always have the best reputation, but times have changed and so have nursing homes. As the healthcare industry moves to a more holistic, patient-centered practice, nursing homes follow suit. They offer several upscale amenities specifically so it doesn't feel like an institution. These amenities may include spacious apartments, gourmet dining, high ceilings, housekeeping and laundry service, and many more. The key to easing your loved one's anxiety is to find the right nursing home for their personality. Find out what they want in their new home, and then research several nursing homes in the Newport News area until you find one that matches what you're looking for in a nursing home. Be sure to take your loved one on a tour of the home so they can see what it will be like living there, as well.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing home care costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location, amenities, and other choices the family makes. Virginia is an expensive state to live in, and most of its living expenses land well above the national average. Unfortunately, that means nursing home care is also more costly than in other parts of the country. For those who haven't planned for nursing home expenses, $50,000 or more a year is an overwhelming amount of money. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers some, if not all, of the cost of nursing homes. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should look into, as well. Although paying out of pocket is also an option, experts advise against it because it puts pressure and financial strain on families, which leads to marital problems, senior's losing their homes, and other stressors that can be avoided by planning ahead.

Assuming the financial end of the arrangement is all worked out, finding the right nursing home can be a good thing for everyone involved. It gives aging seniors the care and stability they need, and provides family members with peace of mind about the comfort of their loved ones. You may wish to care for your loved one yourself, but you have your own life and responsibilities to consider, and there are several reasons it's probably not a good idea for you to take on the responsibility of caring for your loved one. Nursing homes are a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time.