Unfortunately, toward the end of one’s life, the things you were able to do with ease are no longer so easy. What we take for granted as youth can become a serious undertaking as we get older. From walking without support to eating food to even getting out of bed, mundane daily takes can be difficult of the elderly, especially for those with debilitating illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

For family members of loved ones in need of constant care, skilled care nursing facilities are a popular and effective medical option. What is skilled nursing facility? Skilled care nursing facilities, commonly known as “nursing homes” or “convalescent homes,” are facilities designed to cater to the needs of the elderly and disabled. In fact, some of these facilities are practically hospitals with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists on staff. They come equipped with medical tools, facilities, and have nurses and therapists on hand 24 hours a day. A skilled nursing care facility is also known to house physical therapists, who are medical professionals that help the elderly with restoring physical functions as well as reducing physical pain resulting from illnesses, accidents, surgeries, or simply the effects of old age.

In addition, patients benefit from nursing home activities such as arts and crafts, book clubs, movie nights, and more — activities designed to keep up the patients’ spirits during a difficult time in their lives. Some patients understandably feel sad or lonely, so it’s important for the state and the patients’ families to provide activities and treatments that not only improve their quality of life but also the quality of their day-to-day activities.

Some families with loved ones in need of immediate care are hesitant to admit them to skilled care nursing facilities due to concerns about their loved one’s happiness or wishes. Rest assured, these facilities will do everything they can to make the patients’ stay as comfortable and as productive as possible. There is always the possibility of receiving in home skilled nursing care as well after their stay.

Do you know anyone in a skilled nursing facility? Feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom. Great references here.