Nursing Homes near Athens, GA

Nursing Homes in Athens, Georgia

For families living in Athens, Georgia, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the right nursing home. For seniors with specific medical needs to those looking to fulfill a more active social life, there are homes that provide those benefits and more. Even if the idea of moving to a nursing home is a sensitive topic for your loved one, finding them a home that makes them comfortable and engaged is one of the best things you can do for them, especially if you can't provide the level of care they need. If you keep your loved one's personal preferences in mind when looking for a nursing home, you can find one that feels more like home and less like a facility.

More About Athens

Athens is home to the University of Georgia, the state's flagship public research university. When the college was first built, the area was known as Cedar Shoals. After it was built, they changed the name of the city to Athens in honor of the city that was home to academics such as Plato and Aristotle. The university was the primary factor in the town's growth, and during the American Civil War, Athens became a significant supply center after the New Orleans armory was relocated. During the 1960s, Athens witnessed part of the civil rights movement when Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes became the first two black students to enter the University of Georgia. Despite the Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education, the Athens school district remained segregated until 1964 when Athens High School admitted two black students.

Because Athens is a college town, there is an active art and music scene. The city is full of music venues, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that cater to the creative climate of the residents. Athens is also home to several bicycle races collectively known as the Twilight Series. In addition, there are several points of interest around the city that serve as tourist spots for those visiting the area, including the Georgia Museum of Art, The Lodge, and a double barreled cannon produced during the American Civil War.

What You Should Know

When you and your loved one consider nursing home options, there are questions you should ask before you choose a facility. First, you should ask what type of training the staff has, and how long they have worked in their field. Find out what medical services are available, and how often families are updated about their loved one's well-being. It's helpful to know about the food options, and whether or not residents have regular access to drinking water. Finally, ask what kind of alternative medicines the facility uses, if any. Once you have an answer to these questions, you can fairly compare the facilities to one another.

Make Sure Everyone is Comfortable

Putting a loved one in a nursing home is not an easy decision, and it may be one that neither you nor your loved one are happy about. It is important to find a place that makes the transition as smooth as possible, and also provides the best care. Consider whether the nursing home's policies and care options resonate with you. Notice the details of each facility to get a feel for the residents. You can also tell a lot just by watching those who live there. If they seem happy and healthy, that will be obvious.

What You and Your Loved One Can Expect

If you choose the right nursing home for your loved one, it can be a positive experience. Several facilities in Athens provide lifestyles that encourage your loved one to grow, and they nurture each resident's personality. Good nursing homes consider personal preferences and individuality when they design a care program for seniors. You should expect your loved one to receive fresh air, appropriate exercise, daily activities, and proper medical attention. It is important that the facility you choose offers activities to keep them engaged. This creates meaning by pulling from previous interests, and it allows them to develop relationships with their new community.

Deciding that a nursing home is the next step for a loved one is not an easy choice to make; however, it can be the best decision for your loved one. It is important to find out what your loved one's preferences are, and then look for homes that meet those preferences. You can start by making a list of must-haves, and then narrow down it down from there. Finding the right home for your loved one can help make the transition smoother, and it can help your loved one feel better about the move in the first place.