Nursing homes are synonymous with a variety of problems, and some people may not realize just how complicated nursing homes can be both for those living there and those working there. Here are six common issues with Chicago nursing homes and nursing homes all across the United States.
#1: Smaller Living Quarters
Most people who are now residents of nursing homes were once residents of single-family homes or multi-family homes where all living spaces were separate. Nursing homes, on the other hand, offer much smaller living quarters. In most homes, residents have their own rooms, but living, dining, and activity areas are shared. One of the biggest issues with these smaller living quarters was the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic, but even before then, some residents found this transition to a smaller area difficult.
Some residents never fully adjust to this living arrangement, and may face eviction from the home for being too difficult. Other reasons for eviction include refusing medical treatment and problems with payments.
#2: Poor Food Quality
When it comes to food, nursing homes are supposed to provide nutritious food to the patients and follow all special dietary needs of each individual if necessary. However, with nursing homes becoming more and more crowded over time, it can be difficult to keep up financially with all of these dietary needs. This results in nursing home staff serving bland or even unhealthy food, as these are often the cheaper options. Residents may refuse these food options which can result in malnutrition.
#3: Increased Costs
Although nursing homes may have restricted budgets when it comes to purchasing food and other items, the costs of living in nursing homes are increasing. The average cost of nursing home care ranges from $1,050 to $6,500 a month, with Chicago having some of the most expensive costs. Also, better quality nursing homes are going to be more expensive— and better quality nursing homes are more often associated with fewer problems. The good news is that most insurance will cover the majority of nursing home costs, but some costs may still be out of pocket.
#4: Complications with Medicare and Medicaid
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of a long-term stay at a nursing home, but it can cover some medical necessities during the stay. For example, Medicare Part A covers temporary non-custodial skilled nursing care in nursing homes, Medicare Part B covers chiropractic care in nursing homes, and Medicare Part D covers any prescription medication you need to take while you’re in a nursing home. On the other hand, Medicaid may pay the full cost of the nursing home, depending on what state you’re in. However, Medicaid may require you to pay most of your income into your insurance to cover nursing home care.
#5: Boredom and Isolation
Because much of the space in a nursing home is shared, there are many opportunities for residents to be social, but there are fewer chances to be outside of the nursing home. One reason is for safety, as some nursing home patients have dementia and are prone to wandering. Also, nursing homes tend to plan specific social activities inside of the home, and some of the residents may choose not to participate. They may choose to stay in their rooms instead of being social, which can lead to isolation and mental health issues.
#6: Abuse and Neglect
Nursing homes and the words “abuse” and “neglect” are often used in the same sentence, and unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration. As mentioned earlier, some residents may be seen as difficult and instead of (or before) eviction they may be subject to restraints and/or given medication to alter their behavior. Also, nursing homes tend to be understaffed which leads to slower response times and frustration from burnout. Families of victims of nursing home abuse may or may not have reviewed nursing homes before placing their loved ones in one, but this type of abuse often goes unnoticed.
There are other living options for your aging loved one, such as a retirement community. If your loved one is still able to care for themselves or they need help with only a few activities, then consider other assisted living and independent living communities. Nursing homes are usually only necessary for those who need round-the-clock care, and in this case, you’ll want to look into higher-quality nursing homes or memory care if your loved one has a form of dementia.
