Nursing Facilities

Today's nursing facilities are designed to care for the young and old alike, both those who expect to recover fully as well as those in need of extended long term care services. The goal of care in a nursing facility is to help individuals meet their daily physical, social, medical, and psychological needs and to return home whenever possible. To ensure that you select a facility that offers the right type of service and setting for your loved one, you should consult with a physician to determine the type of care your loved one will require. Key features of nursing facilities include:
• Skilled, 24-hour nursing care services. A registered or licensed practical nurse will be available at all times to supervise or administer medications ad treatments. Professional therapists will provide needed therapies such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.
• Personal care services such as help in walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing and eating, and the preparation of special diets as prescribed by a physician are all in the scope of nursing facility services.
• Medical care. Each patient is under the direct care of a physician, who is responsible for the patient's overall medical care.
• Many nursing facilities serve special populations, such as patients with Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, or others requiring specialized services.

All nursing facilities in Indiana must be licensed by the state. Not all homes that are licensed are certified for Medicaid or Medicare. Nursing facility care can be funded through the individual, by the Medicaid or Medicare programs, or through private long-term care insurance.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living is one of the fastest growing segments of long-term care and is a long term care alternative for seniors who need more assistance than is available in a retirement community, but who do not require the heavy medical care and attention provided in a nursing facility.

The philosophy of assisted living is to provide maximum independence in a home-like setting, with individualized care and assistance when needed. Assisted living services can be provided in freestanding residences, near or integrated with skilled nursing homes or hospitals, as components of continuing care retirement communities, or at independent housing complexes.
Individuals in assisted living facilities receive, as needed, supervision, personal assistance, and health care services in a way that promotes maximum independence. These services are designed to:
• Minimize the need to relocate;
• Accommodate individual residents' changing needs and preferences;
• Maximize residents' dignity, autonomy, privacy, independence, choice and safety; and
• Encourage family and community involvement.

Powerpoint Presentation on Understanding Assisted Living

Home Health Care

Home health care includes the provision of periodic nursing assistance in the home. An example would be a nurse or nurse aide visiting the home on a regular basis to assist an older person, to check blood pressure, assist in bathing, or to administer prescribed medication. Some services may be reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid.
Subhead: Food And Nutrition Services (Meals On Wheels)
These programs provide noontime meals to seniors, over the age of 60, through either convenient community locations or by delivering a hot meal to the home.

Adult Day Care

These programs are generally for those who have help at home, but require minimal medical and social supervision when their family or spouse is away from the home for employment.

Preparing for long term or post acute care

• 10 Questions to Answer Before You or Your Loved One Need Long-Term Care

• 10 Questions to Answer Before You or A Loved One Purchase Long-Term Care

Searching for the appropriate long term or post acute care setting

• 10 Questions to Answer Before Choosing a Nursing Home or Assisted Living

• View full services by county