Today’s traditional nursing homes were created about 50 years ago and most were built like hospitals and organized to be run in the same fashion. As a result, nursing homes became regimented and task and schedule driven.

It is a shame now that though the quality of the environment seems to have increased tremendously over the last 20 years, no matter the generation, many of our mind sets have not changed. Working in the senior care industry, the phrase “nursing home” seems to be refrained from using. “Rehab,” “Skilled Nursing,” “Long Term Care,” and “Community,” are words that are much more preferred when discussing with a potential client or family about the reality of needing additional care they simply cannot provide themselves.

 Time and time again the family is distraught over the care their loved one needs but is all too hesitant to think about or discuss the option of placing them in a community. The guilt is overwhelming, thinking they are abandoning their husband, wife, father, or mother, when in reality they know they cannot provide the best possible care to their loved one that the trained staff in these communities can.

 The option of in-home care is becoming more and more prevalent, however not realistic in some situations; though in some cases, a senior may need the 24 hour oversight these different communities provide, but still need extra assistance to alleviate the staff. Homecare agencies are able to collaborate with these different communities and nursing facilities in order to provide this additional, 1 on 1 care to the resident. This is a prime example of advancement in the senior care industry, and another excellent resource and perk that these communities provide and help facilitate.

 The Nursing Home Reform Act, passed in 1987, established quality standards for nursing homes nationwide, emphasized the importance of quality of life, and preserved residents’ rights. This movement was intended to deinstitutionalize long term care and radically transform the “nursing home” environment.

 Seniors can now enjoy much of the privacy and choice they would if they were living in their own homes. The resident’s needs now come first. The hospital like feel of nursing facilities is being transformed into cozier communities. Activity programs are now mandatory; care and service plans are individualized and specially cater to each resident’s needs, and the hiring process is entirely more thorough, just to name a few.

Many more options of levels of care are now available to help find the most suitable placement for each individual. Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long Term Care, Memory Care, Rehab, Skilled Nursing, and Group Homes are a few of the options.

Whether you work for homecare, hospice, or in a community, you are the one that makes a difference. You are the one that causes the progress that we want and need to keep increasing. As Margaret Mead said it best, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”