Nursing Homes near Woodbridge, VA

Nursing Homes in Woodbridge, Virginia

The idea of living in a nursing home isn't at the top of every senior's wish list, and it can be a difficult conversation to have when the time comes. However, preparing early is the best way to get everything you want from a nursing home. Not only do you need to discuss what your loved one wants in a nursing home, but you also need to plan on covering the costs. Have the conversation early so that everyone is on the same page when the time comes. This will make the transition easier for your loved one, and depending on how quickly their health declines, time may not be a luxury you have. Fortunately, Woodbridge has plenty of nursing homes in the surrounding area so families can choose one that's right for them.

More about Woodbridge

Woodbridge offers a variety of recreational activities, and being so close to Washington, D.C. makes it a perfect tourist destination for those visiting the area. The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a natural habitat for several plants and animal life, including the bald eagle. There are also several spots along the Potomac River that offer swimming, hiking, boating, and picnic services. It is home to Leesylvania State Park, which has a trail that leads to the ancestral home of the Lee family. The park was named after the family, with the most notable member being Robert E. Lee, Revolutionary War hero and eventual father of the Civil War. With the many activities and historical spots, Woodbridge is an ideal place for retirement and senior living.

Think Location

Level of Care Provided

When searching for the right nursing home, you also want to consider the level of care provided to residents. If your loved one has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other illness, you want to ensure the facility can take care of them. Find out what certifications the nursing home has, what kind of training they provide for the staff, what type of certifications the staff has, if there is a medical doctor on hand, what happens if someone needs to be taken to the hospital, and so on. It's also important to know how the staff assists the residents on a daily basis. For example, how often is housekeeping done, is the laundry service available daily, and is each resident assigned a staff member to help them with daily activities like dressing, or does the staff rotate daily. This will give you an idea of how comfortable your loved one will be within the facility.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing, and if it's not, it's probably not the best place for your loved one. Parents and grandparents should be able to connect with the other residents, and with the nursing home staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one hates the facility, even if it has everything you both want, don't force them to live there. The stress and strain of forcing them to live in an environment they will hate can create emotional barriers. It's better to find a nursing home with a caring, supportive atmosphere that your loved one enjoys.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

The average cost of a nursing home on an annual basis is $50,000, but living in Virginia, you can expect that to be higher. Most families don't have that kind of money just sitting in their savings accounts, and even those who do have something planned - like retirement. Financial experts recommend that family members find another way to pay for nursing home care rather than relying on their savings. Those who choose to pay out of pocket often run out of money within six months, resulting in their loved one being discharged from the facility. That puts you both in a situation that's not good for either of you. Instead, experts recommend looking into long-term care insurance, and federal programs to help offset the costs of nursing home care.

Keeping in mind location, level of care provided, environment, and cost factors, it becomes easier to find a suitable nursing home for your loved one. The key is to pick one that suits your loved one's personality and preferences while still offering the services and features that are important to you. Once you find such a place, schedule a tour so that you and your loved one can see the facility and how it's operated. The firsthand knowledge of how each nursing home is operated, and how the staff treats its residents, will help you narrow down your options later on.