Nursing Homes near Newton, MA

Home Care in Newton, Massachusetts

There comes a time in every family's life when they have to start thinking about the long-term care needs of their parents or grandparents. Although loving family members might cringe at the idea of nursing homes, their lives may be too hectic to provide the level of care their senior loved ones need. However, nursing homes can be a great option for those families unable to care for their loved ones.

Living in Newton

Newton is a town in close proximity to Boston, which makes it more of a bed city. However, it does have safe communities, good schools, and historic homes, so it is appealing to families and retirees. It's most known, particularly in Massachusetts, for being a one of the most challenging obstacles in the Boston Marathon thanks to the city's hills. The city itself is somewhat different than other cities in that it is made up of 13 smaller villages that function as miniature cities within their own right. Each village as its own post office, although they have no legal definition or clearly defined borders. There are several points of interest in the city, as well. These spots include Crystal Lake, Heartbreak Hill, Echo Bridge, and WHDH-TV tower, which is one of the tallest free-standing lattice towers in the U.S.

Deciding When It's Time

One of the toughest parts about nursing home care is deciding when it's time to send your loved one to the home. Many seniors balk at the idea of losing their independence, and may try to hide the fact that they need help. Family members need to watch out for the signs of their loved one's situation to help determine when it's time. Those seniors whose behavior and mannerisms differ from their normal behavior may need additional help. Start the conversation by telling them how much fun they can have in a nursing home, and how helpful the staff can be. Listen to their preferences, and try to find a nursing home that matches what you're both looking for in a home.

What to Expect

The services provided by nursing homes vary by home and what each resident is looking for in the home they choose. For example, someone who recently underwent surgery may need physical therapy until they stabilize. Some seniors may prefer an upscale nursing home with spa options, others may prefer something a little more low key. Many nursing homes offer the following services to their residents: housekeeping, meal and diet preparation, laundry, grocery shopping and errands, grooming and personal hygiene, respite care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The list is by no means exhaustive as each nursing home has a wide array of options for families to choose from, but it does provide a basic look at the level of care one could expect to receive.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

Paying for nursing home care can be the troublesome part for some families, and that's why it's always better to start early. In fact, as you're planning for your loved one's move to a nursing home, it's not a bad idea to consider how you might one day pay for your own nursing home care. That aside, there are a couple of options that can help families cover the costs. First is long-term care insurance, and it should cover the majority of the basic costs. Some policies may include extras, some may just give you a dollar amount. In either case, having most of the fees covered is a big help to families. The next option is federal programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Massachusetts has specific requirements for qualifying, and some nursing homes may not accept them, but for those that do, these programs are a great way to supplement payment. Since the average cost of nursing homes is around $50-75,000 a year, it's a good idea to have something lined up to help pay for it.

Nursing homes are often a touchy subject for seniors, but the majority of the time it's because your loved one doesn't want to give up their independence. As their family member, it's up to you to watch over them and notice when things begin to change for them. When they start having trouble handling their daily activities, it may be time to consider moving them. However, you can overcome the negative feelings around nursing homes by giving them a list of benefits. Finding the right home for your loved one is the key to making them happy and providing you with peace of mind.