Nursing Homes near Walnut Creek, CA

Nursing Homes in Walnut Creek, California

California is one of the top destinations for retirees, and the biggest reason is the boundless sunshine and stable weather conditions year round. As seniors age, they can't tolerate the climate shifts as well as they could before. Walnut Creek is another beautiful part of California that has something to offer everyone. When the time comes for your loved one to enter a nursing home, consider one in Walnut Creek.

Living in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is east of Oakland in the San Franscico Bay area, making it one of the most expensive cities in California. That being said, it's in the top 100 for wealthiest cities in the U.S. The city offers plenty of entertainment options for residents and tourists, including theaters, parks, and art galleries. In addition, San Fransciso and Oakland are short rides away, offering more options for dining and shopping. For those living in a nursing home in the area, there is plenty to do to keep even the most active senior engaged.

First Steps

When you realize you need help caring for your loved one, before you even begin searching for facilities, write out your must-haves. This is a list of items that any facility you consider must have. This might include a gated community, individual living spaces, whole foods specific to your loved one's diet, or even certain activities. Once you know what you want in a facility, it's easier to weed out the ones you don't want. When you find a place where your loved one feels safe and welcomed, but still has some of their independence, then you both will have peace of mind that you made the right decision. Meet with the directors of the nursing home and get a sense of how things operate. Watch the residents as you look around. Do they seem happy and healthy? Also, take your loved one's feelings into consideration. If they absolutely hate a place, regardless of what you think, it might be better to seek another facility. Try to avoid causing them anxiety about their new home. Of course, take it with a grain of salt, as well. If they absolutely hate every place you look at simply because they don't want to move to a home, then you may have to make the decision for them.

The Costs of Nursing Homes

In the U.S., the average cost of nursing homes is about $50,000 per year. Anyone who's lived in California knows that nothing there falls into the nation's average, which means that nursing home costs will be higher, as well. If you and your family plan ahead, you can purchase long-term care insurance that covers the cost of nursing homes so you don't have to worry about the financial piece of it. Statistically, most people burn through their savings within six months of placing a loved one in a nursing home. It's better to have insurance cover the costs when possible. There are also federal programs to help cover the cost, but you have to check with the nursing home you choose to see if they accept them because not all homes accept Medicare and Medicaid. Finally, you can speak with the nursing home's administrator for more options to help your family cover the cost of nursing home care.

Moving your loved one to a nursing home is an emotional process, and choosing the right facility may be the easiest part. Unfortunately, as your loved one ages, there will be things you simply can't help them with. They may need dedicated help, and in some cases, medical assistance, to live a full life. The good news is that nursing homes also provide them an active social life, great food options, and a comfortable residence to help them deal with the changes of getting older. Both you and your loved one can rest assured that nursing homes in Walnut Creek will take care of all your loved one's needs with kindness and compassion.