Nursing Homes
Alternatives to Nursing Home Care
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)
and Social Managed Care Plan
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 available.
About PACE: provides more detailed information on the PACE
program.
About Social Managed Care Plan: provides more detailed information on the Social Managed Care Plan
program.
About Other Alternatives: provides more detailed information on
other alternatives available.
Top of page
|