Nursing Homes near Pensacola, FL

Nursing Homes in Pensacola, Florida

Making the decision to move your loved one to a nursing home is an emotional one that can also cause tension between your family members. There are many factors that go into the decision, 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 must be manageable.

Living in Pensacola

Pensacola is a sea port on the Pensacola Bay, which means there is plenty of business coming and going to the city. It earned the nickname "The City of Five Flags" because it has been controlled by five different governments throughout its history. The flags include Spain, France, Great Britain, the United States, and the Confederate States of America. Because of its port location and defensible position, it is home to the first United States Naval Air Station within the nation's borders. The base is another source of jobs for the city, as well as income. But, Pensacola is perhaps best known for its pristine white sand beaches and beautiful ocean views. It's a paradise for travelers and residents alike. The weather works well for a lot of people, too. It has short, mild winters and hot, humid summers, which is bearable for most seniors. During the summer months, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, though, and the city is vulnerable to hurricanes. Residents should have emergency plans, just in case.

Location

When placing a family member in a nursing home, location is one of the most important aspects. Ideally, you want your loved one to be close to as many family members as possible so they have a solid support system. However, consistency is more important, so if the family isn't close, it may make more sense to place them in a home nearest the most responsible person.

Level of Care Provided

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. The best way to do that is to ask. 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. Once the staff answers your questions, it's easier to compare apples to apples on the nursing home front.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing, and if it's not, it's probably not the best place for your loved one. Parents and grandparents should be able 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 hates the home, even if it has everything you both want, consider other places. If your loved one is stressed out, 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.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location and amenities. That's an overwhelming amount of money for many families, especially those who haven't planned for it. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Those who attempt to pay out-of-pocket tend to burn through their savings within six months of entering the nursing home, which means the senior must move out. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should look into, as well.

Assuming that 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. Although most people would like to be able to care for their parents or grandparents themselves, they also have to think about their lives and what they can realistically commit to. Nursing homes are a great option, but families need to do their research and find the right location for their loved one.