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Keeping My Mom Safe, Happy, and Healthy

3 Considerations When Choosing Between Skilled Nursing Care And A Nursing Home

8 October 2018

Lisa Sutton

The availability of skilled nursing care allows some people with medical concerns to stay in their home longer. In some cases, however, in-home care might not be the best choice, and going into a nursing home may provide a better level of care.

Your Loved One's Preference

Whenever possible, you should make your decision based on your loved one's preferences. Most people would prefer to stay in their home and receive skilled nursing care. Unfortunately, this is not always an option. In some cases, your loved one may need significant, ongoing care that is difficult to provide in-home. Money and insurance coverage may also be a concern. Insurance coverage may be limited for in-home services, which can force people to make the choice to enter a nursing home or other long-term care facility. If you or your loved one do not own the current residence, in-home skilled nursing will be more practical than spending several months or more in a new care setting while trying to continue paying rent at home.

The Underlying Problem

Nursing homes can be an underutilized service because they are often considered permanent, which is not always true. Many nursing homes offer rehabilitation and short-term care for a wide range of medical concerns. Some underlying medical problems that warrant skilled nursing services are simply easier to do in a nursing home environment. For example, post-stroke recovery or the rehabilitative process after a major joint replacement can warrant short-term care in a nursing home. Since people in both situations will require significant rehabilitation, this can be done on-site without any concerns about transporting the person to and from rehab or modifying their existing residence to accommodate potentially temporary limitations.

Complicating Issues

Although the primary concern may be handled at home by regular visits from a nurse, there may be complicating ailments that can make the situation more serious. Someone with diabetes, especially instances in which the condition is difficult to control, might be prone to ulcers, infections, and need their blood glucose and food strictly monitored. In-home care around the clock may not be practical, especially when these services could be provided in a nursing home. If loved one is dealing with a condition that is expected to become worse over time, you might feel like making the transition to a long-term care facility is better to do earlier rather than later in the process.

Choosing between in-home nursing care and skilled nursing homes is not an easy decision. Ultimately, the right choice will be the one that best meets the ongoing needs of your loved one.

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