Nursing Homes near Cambridge, MA

Nursing Homes in Cambridge, Massachusetts

According to statistics, about 70% of people in nursing homes are age 65 and older. Not everyone in a nursing home needs a lot of help with their daily activities. In some cases, it could be that they don't have a family and want a more active social life. In other cases, it could be that they have serious medical issues that require constant monitoring. Whatever the reasons, nursing home care is an option for seniors, and it is often a positive experience for those who take advantage of it. Given the options that Cambridge has to offer its residents, families can find the perfect nursing home for their loved one.

The Highlights of Cambridge

Most people are probably familiar with Cambridge because it is home to two of the most prestigious universities in the country: Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Because it's a college town, there are plenty of attractions to keep residents entertained. Aside from dining and shopping options, there are theaters, music events, and festivals. The one downside to Cambridge is that it consists of densely built residential space, so there are not as many parks as other cities. However, the universities have a lot of open land, so there are spots to sit outside and enjoy a picnic, read a book, or draw and paint. Despite the attractions seemingly designed to attract the younger crowd, there are many things that will also attract seniors, as well.

Making the Right Choice

When it comes to nursing homes, the best way to ensure your loved on is happy is to find the one that matches their personality. To make the right choice for your beloved senior, you first need to find out their preferences. Do they want to live alone, or have a roommate? What type of amenities and activities are they interested in? Do they have a food preference? Once you know more about what they want, you can help narrow down your search and ensure they get a place that feels like home.

Nursing Home Services

In general, nursing homes offer services such as: meal preparation, bathing and grooming, toileting and incontinence care, medication reminders, mobility assistance, laundry, grocery shopping, transportation, housekeeping. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does give families an idea of what they can expect when choosing between nursing home facilities.

The Cost of Nursing Homes

The average cost of nursing homes per year is $50,000. That cost usually doesn't factor in extra amenities, though. It's the basic level of care available in states with a lower cost of living. For those families who want more options with their package, the price can get up to roughly $60,000. However, Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states to live in, so the basic plan for nursing homes may start out at $60,000 and then go up from there, depending on amenities and location. The good news is that there are several options to help families pay for nursing home care. First, it's a good idea to plan for nursing home care early enough that you can get long-term care insurance. In most cases, the insurance covers the costs of nursing home care. However, if you don't plan early enough, other options you can consider include federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Massachusetts has its own set of rules when it comes to qualifying for these programs, so you will need to contact the state office to find out what your loved one needs to qualify.

After exhausting those two options, your next option would be to visit with a nursing home's administrator to find out if there are any other options such as low-income grants or other ways to help reduce the cost. As a last resort, you can also pay out-of-pocket. Experts recommend that you find other ways to pay before resorting to your savings account. Studies show that many who pay out of pocket run out of money within six months. This leads to your loved one being discharged, which causes both emotional and financial issues for the family. It's just better to find other ways to pay for nursing home care.

Placing a loved one in a nursing home can be a challenging time for many families, but if you find one that suits your loved one, they will adapt to the situation much easier. Additionally, they will have a built-in social group, access to medical services, and a compassionate staff.