Nursing Homes near Columbia, SC

Nursing Homes in Columbia, South Carolina

Although nursing homes have garnered a bad reputation in the past, through the efforts of the healthcare industry as a whole, most nursing homes have significantly improved their standards of services provided to the residents. The care is resident-focused, they've improved the food and activities, and they have top-notch medical treatment available to those who need it. All of these improvements mean that nursing homes can be a positive experience for seniors who are ready to embark on the next journey of their life. Columbia even offers families plenty of nursing homes to choose from, so seniors can find one that suits their personality well.

Living in Columbia

Columbia is home to Fort Jackson, which just happens to be the largest military installation for Basic Combat Training. Perhaps because of the heavy military presence, it's one of the safest cities in the state, even though it's the the capital of South Carolina. In the 90's and early 2000's, Columbia underwent a revitalization that brought interest back to the arts. The downtown district, which used to be referred to as the warehouse district, became a thriving place for art galleries, shops, and restaurants. In pop culture, Columbia is known as the hometown for comedian, Aziz Ansari.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

Columbia is a medium-sized city, and there are many options for those who wish to reside in the area. Begin your research by looking at the available information online to create a list of viable options. Next, visit each of the homes on the list to ask questions and get a feel for the home. It's important that when you visit you feel comfortable with the atmosphere. If everyone looks happy and healthy, and the facility is clean and free of odors, then your loved one may also like it. However, finding the right nursing home is about more than atmosphere. It's also important to know whether the facility is in good standing with state inspectors, whether the staff is well-trained and properly licensed, and whether it has access to appropriate medical equipment and medicine in the event of a medical emergency.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing home care costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, depending on location, amenities, and other choices the family makes. If you haven't planned for that expense, it can be quite a shock, so it's best to start planning as soon as possible. You can start by looking into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes, although some policies only cover a portion of the costs. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, but that's another option families should look into, as well. A final option is to pay out of pocket, but experts recommend against that since it can drain your funds and lead to your loved one being discharged from the facility. That's a stressful situation to be in, so it's better to work out another option.

Assuming you work out the financial end of the arrangement, finding the right nursing home can be a good thing for everyone involved. Seniors get a place where all of their needs are met, they have an active social circle of their peers, and they often get to experience the sights of their city. Families get peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are well taken care of, and that they can visit and be with their loved ones while still meeting their own obligations. It works out as a win-win for everyone.