Nursing Homes near El Cajon, CA

Nursing Homes in El Cajon, California

One of the fastest growing age groups in the United States is the 70 and over group. That means there is a significant number of people in the country who will need some sort of assistance as they continue to age, and not all families are able to provide that assistance themselves. When that happens, the topic of nursing homes comes up most often. The health care industry has drastically improved its care practices thanks to wellness programs and other alternative approaches to medicine. Nursing homes have also changed the way they care for their residents, making it more resident-focused, and developing a staff that is caring and compassionate. When your loved one reaches the point where they need assistance, a nursing home can give them the care and attention they need, and it even has the added benefit of providing an active social life, as well.

All About El Cajon

The city's name has inspired its nickname, "The Big Box," because the rough translation of the city's name is "the box." The Spanish used this name to describe the boxed-in nature of the valley in which it sat. Education is the primary focus in El Cajon. There are many primary and secondary schools within the city, and the top employer is the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College. Beyond that, the city has little in the way of cultural attractions. It's a quiet community, and those looking for more entertainment may have to drive for it.

What You Should Know

It helps you to know what objections your loved one has before you start researching facilities so you can address them when you visit each one. When the time comes to visit a nursing home, there are several questions you should 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 daytime hours, 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 they facility uses, if any. Once you have an answer to these questions, you can compare the facilities to one another.

Most Common Objections from Seniors

When you sit down to have the nursing home discussion with your loved one, you're likely to hear several objections. One of the most common is that they don't feel like they need a nursing home. When this objection comes up, it's helpful to point out the reasons why - perhaps they need a lot of help, or they forget to take their medication, etc. The next objection you're likely to hear is that they don't want to be institutionalized. You can best address this concern by taking them on the tours and showing them that many nursing homes are just like living in an apartment. They are not confined to one room, and the feel of the community is either homey or posh, depending on their preferences. Another popular objection is that they don't want to lose their independence. The best way to address this objection is to find nursing homes that allow residents to make certain decisions for themselves, giving them some control over their lives. This will help your loved one feel better about accepting help from others.

Paying for a Nursing Home

The average cost for a nursing home is about $50,000 a year, but as you probably know, California is more expensive than the average. It's best to speak to the program director of the nursing home you choose to get the exact costs for your situation. With that in mind, you'll need to figure out the best way to pay for nursing home care. You might want to look into long-term care insurance, which should cover the cost of a nursing home, or at least a portion of it. Make sure you look into a policy well before you make the decision to move your loved one to the nursing home because some of them have time restrictions on them. If insurance is not an option, you can also look into Medicare and Medicaid, but they also have restrictions, so it's better to start early and prepare.

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. Schedule tours, and be prepared to ask questions about the facility and how it treats its residents. It's important that both you and your loved one are comfortable with the facility. Although your loved one will be living in the community, it's important for you to ensure they are properly cared for by the facility. Much like a child who wants chocolate cake for breakfast, despite your desire to give them what they want, it may not be in their best interests.