Nursing Homes near San Rafael, CA

Nursing Homes in San Rafael, California

Families with aging relatives should watch them closely for signs that they need further assistance in their daily activities. When that time comes, families have a few options: the elderly relative can live with family, they can hire a home care specialist, or they can move into a nursing home. Although most family members would like to care for their loved ones, other responsibilities in their lives may not leave them enough time to manage that. Home care is a nice option for some, but it can get expensive and it has its limitations, as well. There are several benefits for those considering a nursing home, and San Rafael has a lot to offer its residents.

All About San Rafael

The city is named after the Archangel Raphael, the angel of healing, and was the 20th Spanish mission in the colonial Mexican province of Alta California. It was originally planned as a hospital site, hence the reason it was named after the angel of healing. The mission was eventually upgraded to full mission status until the Mexican government took over all of the California missions and San Rafael was abandoned in 1844. The current mission was rebuilt in 1949, following the style of the original, but faces at right angles to the original. The city is built around the mission, but it remains one of the city's most notable landmarks. There are also theaters, museums, and a film center and studio located in the city. Many seniors who choose to retire in this area are generally religious, and believe that the Archangel Raphael will help them with their health issues.

Benefits of Nursing Homes

As mentioned earlier, living in a nursing home has several benefits to seniors and their family members. At the top of the list is the fact that nursing homes have a dedicated staff with a medical background to assist with any health issues. Registered nurses help administer medications, and they can also assist with other medical issues as necessary. Another benefit is that seniors receive help with their daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. That might not seem like a benefit to seniors who feel the loss of their independence looming, but it is the right thing to do for the elderly who struggle with managing their own tasks. Another benefit that many people don't consider is the social aspect of nursing homes. Seniors are provided with a social network of their peers, which opens up the range and number of activities available to them, and it gives them someone to talk to who might understand what they're feeling. That's something that neither families nor seniors should discount when considering whether or not a nursing home is right for them.

Choosing the Right Nursing Home

To get started, create a list of nursing homes with the basic features you and your loved ones like, and then schedule a visit to help you narrow your list. 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.

Cost Considerations

Paying for a nursing home can be the biggest challenge for many families, but it doesn't have to be. The average cost of nursing home care is about $50,000 per year, but since California is an expensive state to live in, families should expect to pay more. The best way to cover nursing home care is with a combination of long-term care insurance and Medicare or Medicaid. Each has its own set of restrictions, which means families should look into these options early so they are all set when the time comes to move a loved one into a nursing home. Of course, there is the option to pay out of pocket for nursing home care, but that means the family or the senior is responsible for the full amount. It's better to have some sort of insurance or government program to help cover the costs.

Finding the right nursing home is easier when you and your loved one are on the same page. The earlier you have the conversation with them, the more time you have to learn about their preferences, and then to find a nursing home that meets those preferences. In addition, you'll have plenty of time to secure financing, insurance, or make other arrangements to pay for the nursing home. The important thing is that your loved one receives the care they need in an environment that makes you both comfortable.