Nursing Homes near Norman, OK

Nursing Homes in Norman, Oklahoma

Moving a loved one into a nursing home is often an emotional time, and it's usually not an easy decision. There are many factors that go into the decision to move a loved one in a nursing home, but the bottom line is about finding the right care for aging parents and grandparents. Once the family makes the decision, there are four principles to keep in mind. First, the ideal nursing home should be conveniently located to as many family members as possible. Second, it should provide the highest possible care for all medical conditions. Third, it should provide seniors with a welcoming, supportive environment. And fourth, the cost is manageable and the facility accepts payments from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and savings.

Discovering Norman

Norman was settled during the Land Run of 1889, which opened the former Indian Territory to American pioneer settlement. It is home to the University of Oklahoma, which often attracts sports enthusiasts thanks to the football games. The university is a major economic driver for the city, and the tourism as a result of sporting events is a secondary driver. CNN Money Magazine even ranked Norman as the sixth best small city to live in, thanks to its dedication to art, sports, and low crime rates. The only downside to Norman is that it is located in the middle of Tornado Alley, one of the most tornado-prone spots in the world. Fortunately, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is located in Norman, so residents are given as much notice as possible. Nursing homes in the area also offer their residents storms shelters and other evacuation options in the event of a tornado.

Location

Just because you're sending a loved one to a nursing home doesn't mean that you don't care about them, or want to see and help them. The reality for most people is that they don't have the time or training necessary to help their loved ones, so a nursing home is the best place for them. In these cases, choosing a home as close to as many family members as possible is the best scenario because it gives everyone a chance to visit, and it makes seniors feel like they're still a part of the family. Many often feel abandoned when they are placed in nursing home care, so the location you choose is just as important as the facility you choose.

Level of Care Provided

Next, you should consider the level of care a nursing home provides its residents. As individuals age, they need more attention and, sometimes, medical care. If your loved one has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other illness, you want to ensure the nursing home can take care of them. Find out what certifications the nursing home has, what kind of training they provide for the staff, what type of certifications the staff has, if there is a medical doctor on hand, what happens if someone needs to be taken to the hospital, and so on.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing, and the residents should like to be there. Seniors need to connect with the other residents, and with the nursing home staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one is stressed out about their living arrangement, it could make things worse for their health and cause emotional problems within the family. It's better to find a nursing home with a caring, supportive atmosphere that your loved one enjoys. In addition, the facility should be cleaned, well-kept, and devoid of any unpleasant smells.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing homes cost. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location and amenities. Families should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should look into, as well. As a last resort, families can consider paying out of pocket, but experts don't recommend it. The average senior spends about two years in nursing home care, that's about $100,000 or more, depending on amenities. Saving for that can cause the family some stress, but studies show that most families run out of money within six months. That's an experience that can cause a lot of emotional and financial issues for families, so it's better to find alternative payment methods when possible.

Once you make the decision to move a loved one to a nursing home, the next steps are to find the one that meets everyone's needs. Although you want to keep your loved one's preferences in mind, you still have to do what's best for them. Keeping in mind the location, level of care, environment, and payment options available, you and your loved one can plan an amazing experience for them. And, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your loved one will be well cared for and happy.