Long Term Care isn't what it used to be..

Once again I am reminded of how little is known about the nursing homes today. I was approached this morning and asked where I had worked previous to this position. When I mentioned LTC. immediately the visitor stated, "Oh, that is so depressing how those old people are just left there with no visitors." I was appalled and quickly informed this lady that nursing homes were quite different. Many of the residents placed in nursing homes today have frequent visitors. They are there because their family members have to work outside the home and they want their loved one in a safe place. Or they have gotten dementia and can no longer be cared for properly at home. Other's are placed in LTC because they have no one to care for them; so wouldn't you say that this person deserves to be where she can go to different activities, socialize with other residents, go on field trips and most of all, receive care and love from her caretakers?

I realize there are places that are not the best for our elderly population. However these places are far and few between. The majority of LTC facilities want the best for those in their care. You will never find the perfect place; but I still maintain that being in a nursing home is far better than being home alone day after day with no socialization or activities. Only the t.v. and hopefully a phone call, even if it is from a marketer.

So next time you are approached with negativeness regarding long term care for a loved one, ask the person, "Have you visited one of these facilities?" Chances are they will say no, but are sharing what they "heard" or think. These are the people who make it more painful when someone does have to make the difficult, painful decision to place their loved one in a Long Term Care facility. They need encouragement and assistance; not guilt and horror stories from those who have no idea what they are talking about.