Nursing Homes near Alexandria, VA

Nursing Homes in Alexandria, Virginia

Making the decision to move a beloved family member to a nursing home is an emotional one that can also cause tension in the family. There are many factors that go into the decision, but the bottom line is about finding the right care for your aging loved ones. Once the family makes the decision, there are four principles to keep in mind. First, the ideal nursing home should be conveniently located to as many family members as possible. Second, it should provide the highest possible care for all medical conditions. Third, it should provide seniors with a welcoming, supportive environment. And fourth, the cost is manageable and the facility accepts payments from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and savings.

More about Alexandria

Alexandria is largely populated by professionals working in the federal civil service, the U.S. military, or one of the private companies that contract out to the federal government. It is essentially a suburb of Washington, D.C., and those who choose to retire in the area are most often retirees of the military or government. The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town, and has a concentration of boutiques, restaurants, antique shops and theaters. The entire downtown section is a major draw for tourists, and with its easy access to Washington, D.C., there are plenty of other activities available to those who are interested. If you have a loved one moving to a nursing home, Alexandria has a lot to offer in terms of activities and entertainment.

Location

Level of Care Provided

The next consideration you should have about nursing homes is the level of care provided to the residents. If your loved one has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other illness, you want to ensure the facility can take care of them. Find out what certifications the nursing home has, what kind of training they provide for the staff, what type of certifications the staff has, if there is a medical doctor on hand, what happens if someone needs to be taken to the hospital, and so on. Once the staff answers your questions, you can compare the facilities on like terms.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing. Parents and grandparents should be able to connect with the other residents, and with the nursing home staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one hates the facility, even if it has everything you both want, don't force them to live there. The stress and strain of forcing them to live in an environment they will hate can create emotional issues among the family. It's better to find a nursing home with a caring, supportive atmosphere that your loved one enjoys.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing homes costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location and amenities. In Virginia, you can expect that amount to be higher, although how much higher depends on the nursing home and the amenities you choose. Still, that's an overwhelming amount of money for many families, especially those who haven't planned for it. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Those who pay out-of-pocket often burn through their savings within six months of entering the nursing home, which can have an adverse effect for your loved one. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, but they are another option families should look into, as well.

Nursing homes may not appeal to everyone, but for seniors who need assistance with their daily activities, they can be the right fit. Keeping in mind the important factors mentioned above, families can find the best nursing home for their loved ones. And, the good news is that Alexandria has many nursing homes to choose from, which makes finding one that suits your loved one even easier.