Nursing Homes near Ocala, FL

Nursing Homes in Ocala, Florida

The idea of living in a nursing home is repellant to many seniors, mostly because they do not want to give up their independence. However, the truth is, there may come a time when a nursing home is the best option for them. The best way to help make the transition as smooth as possible is to find a nursing home that is nurturing and accepting of your loved one's personality and preferences. It's not just a facility, it's a home, so you should do everything you can to find one that makes you aging senior more comfortable. Fortunately, Ocala has several options available for you to choose from.

More About Ocala

The modern city of Ocala was established in 1849, and dealt primarily in citrus production until the Great Freeze from 1894-1895. In the 20th century, the city's economy turned to horses. The first thoroughbred race horse farm was developed in 1943. In the 21st century, it is a major thoroughbred center with over 1,200 horse farms that total about 77,000 acres. The horse industry produces 44,000 jobs and generates about $2.2 billion in annual revenue, which also draws the city's next largest economic driver: tourism. The nearby Silver Springs is also a big tourist attraction, and glass bottom boat tours of the area are quite popular. As for weather, Ocala has two seasons: dry and wet. During the dry season, there is little rainfall, if any at all. Temperatures in the morning are cooler, but the cloudless sky full of sunshine heats things up to about 70 in the afternoon. During the wet season, afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurrence, and the storms are often severe. Ocala makes a great place for those who like the consistency of the weather, horses, and Silver Springs.

What You Should Know

When you and your loved one begin considering nursing homes, there are questions you should ask before you choose a one. First, you should ask if the community is secure. Safety is important to the elderly, especially when they're in an unfamiliar place. Next, ask what type of training the staff has, and how long they have worked in their field. Another important piece of information is the staff to patient ratio. You want to know this for both daytime hours, and night hours. Find out what medical services are available, and how often families are updated about their loved one's well-being. Learn what the discharge policy is, and what it means for your loved one. Finally, ask what kind of alternative medicines the home uses, if any.

Make Sure You're Comfortable

Putting a loved one in a nursing home isn't an easy decision, and it may be one that neither you or your loved one are happy about. It is important to find a place that makes the transition as smooth as possible, and also provides the best care. You have to be comfortable with the people to whom you entrust your loved ones. Consider whether the nursing home's policies and care options resonate with you. Notice the details of each home to get a feel for the residents. You can also tell a lot just by watching those who live there. If they seem happy and healthy, that will be obvious.

What You and Your Loved One Can Expect

If you choose the right nursing home for your loved one, it can be a positive experience. Several homes in Ocala provide lifestyles that encourage your loved one to grow, and they nurture each resident's personality. Good nursing homes consider personal preferences and individuality when they design a care program for your loved one. You can expect your family member to receive fresh air, appropriate exercise, daily activities, and proper medical attention. It is important that the home you choose offers activities to keep seniors engaged. This creates meaning by pulling from previous interests, and it allows them to develop relationships with their new community.

Deciding that a nursing home is the next step for a loved one is about doing what's best for them. Begin your search by researching nursing homes online. Be prepared to ask questions about the home and how it treats its residents. You must be comfortable with the home, and so should your loved one. Be sure you choose a place that meets all of your requirements, and that includes outdoor activities for your loved one. Ocala has periods of warmer than usual weather in the summer, and cooler than usual weather in the winter, so make sure the home you choose offers adequate heating and air conditioning. You should also ensure that the nursing home offers suitable activities for residents who are stuck indoors.