Myths and Realities About Nursing Home Care

Most people have their own perceptions and opinions about nursing homes. Sometimes these views are based on facts and real-life experiences; other times they're based on hearsay and rumors. And, frequently, these perceptions are based on a combination of all of the above.

There are many myths about nursing homes. In the past decade, nursing homes - like all other areas of healthcare - have changed in terms of staffing, policies and procedures, and the types of care offered. Many don't really know what to expect, and some of the myths they have heard are of great concern.

MYTH: If I Enter A Nursing Home, I'll Never Go Back To My Home

REALITY:

One of the primary goals at Jefferson Nuring and Rehabilitation is Rehabilitation – helping residents to live as independently as possible. In fact, many of our admissions are for short term rehabilitation stays. Many are discharged back to their homes or home-like living arrangements. Under the Medicare program nursing homes now are an extension of hospitals in that they provide the length of care that is required at times for rehabilitation to regain independence. The Healthcare professionals at JC Rehab will talk truthfully with residents and their families about the possibility of going home. Our discharge planning starts on admission, our ultimate goal is to be the last stop on your road to recovery. In the event that long term care is needed Our home is Your home.

MYTH: A Nursing Home Is Like A Hospital

REALITY:

A nursing home is not a hospital. The care a nursing home provides is an extension of your stay at the hospital in regards to assisting you rebuild your strength, endurance and independence but, it is done in a more home-like atmosphere. Many expect the same kind od acute, constant care they received in the hospital. In reality, a nursing home is different. It may help to think of it as just that – a home – which has nusing care as needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To understand the difference between hospital and nursing home care, it may also be helpful to look at the four goals of JC Rehab:

• Rehabilitate the resident to their maximum potential, enabling the resident to return to independent living if possible.
• Maintain the resident's independence as long as possible within the realities of age and disease.
• Delay deterioration in physical and emotional well-being
• Support the resident and family – physically and emotionally – when health declines.

MYTH: All Nursing Home Residents Are Confused

REALITY:

Most people slow down physically as they age. For some, this is also true of their mental processes. In reality, you should expect to see a full range of capabilities and personalities among residents at Jefferson City Rehab. Some residents will have healthy minds in fragile, handicapped bodies. Others will have healthy bodies but minds that are no longer functioning normally. Most will fall somewhere in between the two extremes.

MYTH: Nursing Home Personnel Are Not Always Gentle and Caring

REALITY:

Some things about working in long term care are difficult. The job care be physically demanding and emotionally exhausting but the staff at JC Rehab find their jobs of caring for others – REWARDING. Residents have the right to expect good care – and the privilege to have their complaints hear. JC Rehab has an extensive abuse policy and program that is known by each and every employee. Being a rural community, we consider ourselves, "Friends taking care of Friends."

MYTH: Nursing Home Residents Do Not Receive Adequate Care

REALITY:

Stories about neglect of nursing home residents generate news reports in the media from time to time and that's precisely the point: These stories are not typical; they're unusual and they make the news. It's true that a resident's request for assistance may not always be answered immediately. Other residents may be receiving care at the same time so that the staff members have to delay responding to the request at that moment. There may also be an emergency elsewhere in the facility that is demanding immediate staff attention. At JC Rehab we strive to get to each resident's request within 5 minutes.

MYTH: Families and Friends Abandon Nursing Home Residents

REALITY:

When loved ones need more care than their families can give--and if they are admitted to a nursing home--our professionally trained staff members visit daily or almost daily, with others their family may live in another area. At JC Rehab we welcome our residents with open arms and make every attempt to fill in for the family until they are able to visit. Friends may visit every few days or once a week. Our facility encourages families and friends to stay involved in the daily happenings of their loved ones through visiting, activity attendance, meals and special events. We do not enforce visiting hours, but do encourage families to respect the privacy and rights of others throughout the home. Staff members are here to help make visitors feel welcome. Ideally, relationships among residents, their families and friends continue much as they were before nursing home placement.

MYTH: The Food Is Terrible In A Nursing Home

REALITY:

Good food is a matter of individual preference. Most of us have certain customary dishes that we're used to and styles of preparation that no one else duplicates. In a nursing home, some residents are on restricted or special diets, as ordered by their physicians. As a result, they have limited food choices. Eating food from the same kitchen and in the same surroundings day after day--even with widely varied menus--can become monotonous. After a while, nothing may seem appetizing. However, nursing homes employ dieticians to plan meals that are palatable, attractive and that meet the nutritional needs of each individual. Dietary staff members are available to discuss problems concerning food and they will try to alter menus within the limits of prescribed diets. In addition, JC Rehab permits family and friends to bring favorite foods to residents when they so desire.

MYTH: My Possessions Will Be Lost or Stolen In A Nursing Home

REALITY:

There will be misplaced objects and errors in sorting clothes at times. On occasion a disorientated or forgetful resident may have misplaced the item also. Family members should label all clothing and personal effects with the resident's name. Our business office can provide you with a permanent marker for this task. Let's be honest, just like at home things will occasionally be lost or misplaced. In this event please contact our Director of Housekeeping & Laundry or the Social Service Director, they can assist you in locating the item.