Nursing Homes near San Bernardino, CA

Nursing Homes in San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino has several options for nursing home care, which gives seniors and their families plenty to choose from when the time comes. Although Hollywood and real-life horror stories have turned people off the idea of nursing home care in the past, it's important to note that the healthcare industry worked to turn care standards around over the last decade. Nursing homes are more resident focused, they provide compassionate care, and the medical services are top-notch. It's a great alternative for your aging senior, and in addition, it gives them an opportunity to live around others in the same boat as them. The social support system adds a lot to the quality of life in a nursing home.

More about San Bernardino

San Bernardino is a fairly large metropolitan area, and it boasts several major events each year. Many of the events centers around bikes, but there are also cultural events, music events, and a citrus exposition. There are also museums, performing arts centers, and resorts that all attract visiting tourists. One of the main attractions is the site of the original McDonald's restaurant, which is now a Route 66 museum. As most people who live in California can attest to, the weather is one of the best parts. Sunny and warm most of the year, San Bernardino enjoys frequent sunshine.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

San Bernardino is a large city, and there are many options for those who wish to reside in the area. Start by researching the available information online to create a list of places you're interested in. From there, visit each of the homes on the list to learn more about them. For example, one of the top 10 questions you should ask is whether the residents have the freedom to make their own choices. One reason seniors struggle with nursing homes is the lack of independence. Finding a home that allows residents to make choices should be at the top of your list. Another question you should ask about is the home's policies. Are there restricted visiting hours? Are residents allowed to smoke? Can residents have individual rooms, or does the facility require roommates? If roommates are required, can the seniors pick their own roommates? Asking the hard questions gives you an idea of what the home is like, and how management reacts to those questions will tell you if the staff is easy to work with and honest. 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 homes costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location, amenities, and other choices the family makes. California has one of the highest cost of living indices in the nation, and San Bernardino is an expensive place to live. Unfortunately, that means that nursing home care is also more costly than in other parts of the country. For those who haven't planned for those expenses, $50,000 or more a year is an overwhelming amount of money. 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, but that's another option families can look into, as well.

The Nursing Home Option

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 you may wish to care for your loved one yourself, you have your responsibilities to consider. You may not be in a place where you can provide the level of care they need, and if you have kids, it's not fair to them to miss out on their lives, either. Nursing homes can be a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time.