Leaving a nursing home may feel like the right thing to do at the time, but it’s not a good move for everyone. The AARP has some good questions you should ask yourself before you move out of the nursing home.
- Are you ready and able to live independently?
- Can you afford to live on your own? You may qualify for various government programs that offer financial assistance.
- Do you have the necessary living skills? Can you handle your own personal hygiene? Can you manage everyday activities such as shopping, cooking and housekeeping? Can you manage a budget and expenses?
- Is in-home care available?
- Will you be able to find appropriate housing that meets your specific requirements? Requirements may include accessibility, safety and security features and dining and kitchen facilities.
- Does the home have everything you will need, such as a telephone, list of emergency contacts, kitchen equipment or personal care equipment?
- Does the community offer necessary medical services?
- Will you have available transportation? Many areas have transportation services for seniors.
- Does the community offer social support options such as senior daycare, senior housing activities, religious programs and family visits?
If you are unable to answer all of these questions with a confident “yes”, you should postpone moving out of the nursing home until you are really ready to live independently.
