In the past decade, nursing homes, like all areas of health care, have changed dramatically in terms of staffing, policies and procedures.

Long-term care providers understand the concern families have about admitting a loved one into a nursing home. The Indiana Health Care Association, and its member facilities, make it a priority to help people fully understand the differences between myths and realities of life in a nursing home.

Myth:
Nursing home residents do not receive good care.

Reality:
The stories that appear in the news from time to tome are only newsworthy because they are not typical. Adequate care is the norm. Regular inspections are made to ensure quality of care.

Myth:
Medicare, or my health insurance, will cover a lengthy stay in a nursing home.

Reality:
Unfortunately, Medicare and most health insurance policies provide little financial assistance toward the cost of nursing home care. If a patient has not planned for such a stay, the resulting bills can be devastating and drain most of all of his/her personal savings.

Medicare covers on the first 100-day stay (3 ½ months of care) if the individual meets specific criteria established by the Medicare program.

The best approach is to assume that you will not be covered for nursing home costs. Long-term care insurance is the best way to protect your personal savings and provide for yourself I the event you should need long-term care.

For more information regarding long-term care insurance, you are encouraged to contact the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 1-800-452-4800 or Indiana Long Term Care Program (ILTCP) at (317) 233-1470.

Myth:
If I enter a nursing facility, I will surrender my right to make decision.

Reality:
Nursing home staff strives to maximize resident independence and honor residents' preferences and wishes. As a resident of a nursing home, you have the legal right to make choices about activities, schedules, health care, and other aspects of your life within the facility. It is important to realize, however, that each nursing home must set certain rules and regulations to ensure an environment where residents can live together safely and harmoniously.

Decisions relating to the lifestyles of residents also can be made in conjunction with Resident Councils, patients' families, and legal documents such as living wills. A nursing home will make a decision on behalf of a resident only after all other options have been exhausted. Facilities are required to provide a listing of Resident's Rights upon admission.

Myth:
If I enter a nursing facility, I will never go home.

Reality:
The primary goal of the nursing home is to rehabilitate patients so they can return home as quickly as possible. Facilities provide medical, rehabilitative and nursing care, as needed, by qualified personnel. But unlike hospitals, nursing homes focus on creating a living environment where people can feel comfortable and continue to live as normally as possible. Persons who are unable to return to their homes permanently can make short visits home, health permitting.

Myth:
Nursing home employees abuse patients.

Reality:
Nursing home providers continuously strive to give patients the best care possible in a safe environment. Many hours and resources are designated to employing a caring and qualified staff.

All licensed Indiana nursing facilities are required by law to conduct criminal history checks for nurse aides and other non-licensed job applicants.

Facilities can be fined up to $10,000 for not conducting background checks with the Indiana State Police.

 

Myth:
Nursing homes are too costly.

 

Reality:
At first glance, nursing home costs may appear high, and newcomers might expect hotel-like accommodations. The reality is, nursing care is costly. The average daily fee for a nursing home is $112 per person. This daily fee covers all the services required by the resident including room, board, a full range of activity programming, and 24 hour a day medical care.