What alternatives are there for nursing homes?

Answer:

Nursing Homes serve as permanent residences for people who are too frail or sick to live at home or as a temporary facility during a recovering period. However, many people need a nursing home level of care but would prefer to remain in their own home with the help of their family and friends, community services, and professional care agencies. The Medicare program offers limited access to two unique programs for certain beneficiaries who need a comprehensive medical and social service delivery system. The two programs currently available are: 

• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides detailed information on the PACE program
• Social Managed Care Plan provides detailed information on the Social Managed Care Plan program

There are some people, however, who require less than skilled care, or who require skilled care for only brief periods of time. In most communities, people can choose from a variety of living arrangements that offer different levels of care. Before deciding on a care setting, talk to a doctor or maybe a social worker about your care needs. Most people want to stay in their home for as long as possible. If you are considering staying at home make sure you know the amount of responsibility and work involved. If you cannot live independently, but don't want to live in a nursing home, you may want to consider some of the other alternatives.

• About Other Alternatives: provides more detailed information on other available alternatives.

Last Updated: 4/29/2008