Nursing Homes near Monterey, CA

Nursing Homes in Monterey, California

According to statistics, the fastest growing age group in the United States is the 70 and up group, and those statistics further state that roughly 75% of those entering nursing homes are over the age of 65. That means more seniors enter nursing home care each year, and they're living longer than previous generations. Nursing homes have vastly improved their level of care, the amenities they provide, and the facility as a whole. If your loved one has reached the point where they need more assistance than you can provide, then it is time to consider moving them to a nursing home. Hopefully you've had the conversation with them, and now it's just time to make the move, but if not, start by talking up the benefits and making sure they know you care about their preferences.

More About Monterey

Monterey is a city of firsts for California. It had California's first theater, public building, public library, publicly funded school, printing press, and newspaper. It has also attracted many artists since the 19th century, and many painters and writers have lived in the area, including, John Steinbeck, Bruce Ariss, and Clint Eastwood. Monterey is well-known for its abundance of sea life, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a huge tourist attraction. It is one of the largest aquarium's in North America, and it hosts several important marine science laboratories. Residents and tourists alike can see all manner of marine life in the area and in the aquarium, including sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bat rays, kelp, and dolphins. There are also several museums in the area, as well as Fisherman's Wharf, and other activities to keep even the most active senior's entertained.

Choosing the Right Home

The key to a successful transition is finding a nursing home that fits your aging loved one's personality. First, decide what you and your loved one want in a nursing home. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu that offers high quality food, options for day trips, medical care, and so on. Once you have a few places picked out, contact them for visits. It's important to know what the nursing home's policies are, and whether you agree with them. Also, find out if the nursing home encourages and allows its residents the freedom to make certain decisions for themselves. One of the hardest parts of nursing home care for seniors is the fact that they lose their independence. It's hard to accept, so to help seniors feel more comfortable, some nursing homes allow them to make a few of their own decisions. It gives seniors an opportunity to control a part of their life. Finally, look into the amenities the nursing home offers; some have spacious apartments with top-of-the-line appliances, spas, more frequent and higher quality entertainment and activities, and pet allowances.

Paying for Care

Paying for nursing home care can be a challenge for many people, so it's best to start preparing as early as possible. Long-term care insurance is the best way to go as it covers the majority of nursing home care. After that, Medicare and Medicaid are the next best options. Florida has its own rules about qualifying for them, so you should contact the state's offices as soon as possible to see if your loved one qualifies. Only as a last resort should you consider paying for a nursing home out of pocket. Experts say that families who pay out of pocket are barely able to keep up with payments for six months before funds run out. It's stressful, financially draining, and there are better options available.

Making the Move

Once you've decided on a nursing home, the next step is to plan for the move. Your loved one may need to downsize their belongings, and that is a long, often tedious, process because of the emotional component. It's a good time to have the family over to help in this process, as well. Not only does it show your loved one that they are still loved, but it also provides moral support for an event that is likely to be traumatic to those seniors who've lived in the same house the majority of their adult lives.

Moving a loved one to a nursing home isn't an easy decision, nor is it an easy task. There are a lot of factors to consider, and let's be honest, it's probably not at the top of your loved one's list, but ultimately, it may be in your loved one's best interests. The first step is to consider your beloved senior's preferences and then find a home that meets those preferences. You have to be comfortable with the facility, as well, but it's important that you acknowledge what your loved one wants in a place that will be their new home. Everything else usually falls into place from there, and you can rest easy knowing that your loved one's needs are met, they are safe, and they have access to the best care available to them.