Nursing Homes near Concord, NH

Nursing Homes in Concord, New Hampshire

Hollywood has made the prospect of nursing homes a scary proposition for many seniors and their families, but the truth is, nursing homes can be a great place for aging relatives that need help with their daily activities. Many nursing homes nurture their residents and involve them in engaging activities that help them cope with aging. They find more companionship and comfort than living on their own, and if they need medical assistance, they can usually receive it without going to the hospital. Many seniors report their lives were better after moving into a nursing home than when they lived on their own because they had access to help and resources they didn't on their own.

All About Concord

Concord has many sites of interest to both tourists and residents. The state house is the oldest in which the legislature still meets in its original chambers. It has since been remodeled, and a third floor and west wing were added on to expand the property; however, the legislature has not changed its meeting location. Across from the state house is the Eagle Motel, which has been a popular dining choice and overnight stay for many presidents and heads of state. On the north end of Main Street is Pierce Manse, home to President Franklin Pierce, both before and after his presidency. The city boasts several performing arts theaters, a film festival, a historical society, and much more for those residents who enjoy history and art.

First Steps

If the time has come to consider nursing homes, then there are a few things you should do first. At the top of that list is having a conversation with your loved one and finding out what their preferences are, and what plans they've made. It's possible that they've already made arrangements, so their input is important. Next, it's a good idea to figure out how you're going to pay for care. This means looking into long-term care insurance and Medicare and Medicaid. Both have qualification requirements, so it's best to start that process early. Once you've squared those away, your final first step includes making a list of must-haves that you're looking for in a facility. This will help keep you on track as you search for your loved one's new home.

What You Should Know

When the time comes to visit a nursing home, there are several questions that are important to ask. First, you should ask if the community is secure. Safety is important to the elderly, especially when they're in an unfamiliar place. Next, ask what type of training the staff has, and how long they have worked in their field. Another important piece of information is the staff to patient ratio. You want to know this for both day and night hours. Find out what medical services are available, and how often families are updated about their loved one's well-being. Finally, ask what kind of alternative medicines the home uses, if any. Once you have an answer to these questions, you can accurately compare several nursing homes together.

Nursing Home Costs

The average cost for a nursing home is about $50,000 to $75,000 a year. Areas with a higher cost of living can expect those prices to be higher, while a lower cost of living causes nursing home costs to be lower. Concord falls on the higher side of that spectrum, but costs also depend on amenities and options available, so some nursing homes will cost more than others. When you visit the nursing home, you will have a chance to sit down with the program director to map out an individual care plan. As you discuss those details, you'll be able talk about your payment options, as well.

Deciding that a nursing home is the next step for a loved one is not an easy choice to make. Begin by researching nursing homes online. Be prepared to ask questions about the facility and how it treats its residents because you and your loved one must be comfortable with the facility. Be sure that you choose a place that meets all of your requirements, and that includes outdoor activities for its residents. New Hampshire has scenic nature views, historical sites to see, and plenty of things for people to do, so a good nursing home should offer a variety of activities.