Nursing Homes near Hagerstown, MD

Nursing Homes in Hagerstown, Maryland

Most people want to take care of their loved ones when they get older, but it's not always the right thing to do. As people age, health concerns become an issue, as does their basic motor functions. When seniors need more help than families can reasonably give, then a nursing home may be the best option. Not only does the staff help the residents with their daily activities, but they also ensure the residents have plenty of activities, time to socialize, and clean laundry. When you find the right nursing home for your loved one, it can be a positive experience for them that also provides you peace of mind.

Living in Hagerstown

Hagerstown has a distinct topography that sets it apart from other cities in the United States. The city has stone ridges that run from the northeast to the southwest through the center of town. This naturally defines the city's borders and neighborhoods. Although there isn't a focused fine arts program in Hagerstown, it does offer residents theaters, museums, parks, and historical sites. One of the biggest resources to those who live in the city is the access to some of the nation's top notch specialized medical facilities. Brook Lane Psychiatric Center, Meritus Medical Center, and Western Maryland Hospital Center all operate out of Hagerstown. Like much of the east coast, Maryland has beautiful nature views, and experiences four distinct seasons each year. For those moving into a nursing home, having access to facilities such as these is a major benefit.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

To begin the process of finding a nursing home, research the available information online to create a list of viable options. From there, visit each of the homes on the list to determine which one works best for your family. There are some questions you should ask when you visit each home to help you narrow your options. For example, one of the top 10 questions you should ask is whether the residents have the freedom to make their own choices. One of the hardest parts for seniors in a nursing home is the fact that they lose their independence. Finding a home that allows residents the freedom to make choices should be at the top of your list. Another question you should ask about is the facility's policies. Are residents allowed to smoke? Are there restricted visiting hours? Can residents have individual rooms, or does the facility require roommates? Asking the hard questions gives you an idea of what the facility is like, and how management reacts to those questions is even more telling. You should also pay attention to how the residents react to the staff, and the manner in which the staff interacts with the residents.

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, and rising, depending on location, amenities, and other choices the family makes. In Maryland, the cost of living is higher than the national average, so nursing home costs are more expensive there, as well. However, there are payment options available for those who need them. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families can look into, as well.

Making the Big Move

When it comes time for the move, one of the best things to do is to hire movers. Seniors who've spent their entire lives in one house will have trouble letting go of their possessions, and packing can take some time. Hiring movers to take care of everything can save your family an emotional roller coaster, and allow you to spend more time with your loved one before they enter the nursing home.

Assuming that the financial end of the arrangement is all worked out, finding the right nursing home can be a good thing for everyone involved. It gives aging seniors the care and stability they need, and provides family members with peace of mind about the comfort of their loved ones. Although most people would like to be able to care for their parents or grandparents themselves, they also have to think about their lives and what's feasible. Nursing homes can be a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time.