Nursing Homes near Harrisburg, PA

Nursing Homes in Harrisburg, PA

There are currently more seniors in this country than at any other time in American history. The main reasons for this are breakthroughs in medical technology allowing people to live longer than ever before as well as the many baby boomers entering their twilight years. With such a large older population, there is a growing demand for elder care. Fortunately, there are several Harrisburg skilled nursing facilities to meet the need.

What Are Skilled Nursing Facilities?

Nursing homes in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, also referred to as skilled nursing facilities, offer older adults care at all hours of the day and night. If you are thinking of "old folks' homes" with bored golden agers watching TV and playing cards ad nauseam, you would be sorely mistaken. These days, there are a bevy of social activities and special events offered in nursing homes alongside an array of important daily care and rehabilitative services.

Before returning home after a stay at a hospital, retired people can regain their skills and recover in skilled nursing facilities in Harrisburg, PA. When recovering from surgery, they have access to physical therapy or speech and occupational therapy after a stroke. Plus, seniors with chronic conditions that require around the clock monitoring, such as Alzheimer's disease, will find nursing homes are an excellent long term care option.

Services Available in Harrisburg Skilled Nursing Facilities

The highest level of care outside of a medical center can be found in Harrisburg nursing homes. Some of the services they provide include coordination of care with patients' doctors and staff, incontinence care and toileting, security to keep residents safe from wandering off on their own, assistance with managing medications, and dietary counseling and meal preparation. Additionally, older adults get help with tasks of day to day life, like bathing, cleaning, dressing, and more.

How Much Do Nursing Homes Cost?

There are several factors that go into determining the cost of skilled nursing facilities in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, such as the cost of living in your area, the exact type of care you need, and the length of your stay. For example, specialized dementia care in a nursing home in a major population center will cost more than general retirement home care in remote metro towns. Some of the costs may be covered by Medicare, private health insurance, long term care coverage, or Medicaid. Also, veterans can seek out financial help form the Veterans Administration.

What Sets Harrisburg apart?

The first European in the area was Captain John Smith, an Englishman, who had journeyed up the Susquehanna River form Virginia in 1608. John Harris, Jr., who had inherited land in the area from his father, made plans to set up a town there in 1785. He named the town Harrisburg. Today, Harrisburg is the capital and ninth most populous city in Pennsylvania with an estimated 2013 population of 49,188.

Harrisburg has a rich history, which is commemorated with several museum and landmarks that local nursing homes are known to take day trips to. One popular destination is the National Civil War Museum, which is located at Reservoir Park and is affiliated with the Smithsonian. Harrisburg is home to one of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the nation, the Broad Street Market. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is also in Harrisburg.

What Do Golden Agers Appreciate about Harrisburg?

Harrisburg has a large population of younger families and relatively few retirees. This makes it the perfect town for those who are young at heart. The taxes are reasonable in Harrisburg, and the cost of living is low. In fact, residents spend fifteen percent less than the United States average for goods and services. This is good news for seniors trying to make ends meet on a fixed income.

The main general medical and surgical hospital in Harrisburg is PinnacleHealth Hospitals. It has more than 550 licensed beds. US News and World Report has rated the hospital as high performing for urology and orthopedics. Harrisburg is also home to several smaller healthcare facilities and clinics.

Older Adults Stay Active and Engaged in Harrisburg

Harrisburg takes the care of its senior population seriously. That is why the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging was created. This organization offers an array of programs, services, and resources aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of golden agers. With the low cost of living, reasonable tax rates, and many attractions, it has never been a better time to consider Harrisburg for skilled nursing.