Why a Nursing Home?

Nursing Homes are meant to accommodate those who can not afford appropriate care in their home. My mother can afford to hire caregivers to come into her home and take care of her. Therefore, my feeling is she should remain in her home.
While the care is more expensive every time I hire, I still remember mom stressing to me she does not want to go to a nursing home. I am really not sure what will happen once the care requires skilled nursing around the clock. This is something I assess each week.
The positive aspect of a nursing home is the following:

• Socialization
• 24 hour care
• Therapies will be provided as ordered by a doctor
• Meals prepared with a dietitian supervising
• Multidisciplinary team

Sounds good so far...............the above is from my experiences with mom being in a skilled nursing facility until a doctor releases her.
Socialization
Mom is at the point where she does not want to go outside the house. Her friends are sweet about trying to include her when they have luncheons or get togethers. However, we have people who also discriminate against her due to her disabilities. They will not include her in any functions, telling me she is "not normal". Therefore, her socialization is minimal at this time.The day programs in town are scarce due to her need for someone to transfer her. She is now what is considered a total transfer.
24 Hour Care
I hire caregivers to provide 24 hour care at her house. At first, she was the only person needing help. However, both parents are in need of help. At a nursing home, it is imperative the resident has his/her own care. Otherwise, due to under staffing, your family member will not get the attention they need at all times.
When mom was at a skilled nursing facility, she was found under her wheel chair. I called nursing to alert them. She was left alone in the bathroom, on the toilet, and fell every time. She fell more than 5 times in one month. That is not right.
Therapies provided
I can say this is a true positive when at a nursing home. However, it depends on the resident. Some just don't want to participate. Most of the time, the therapist is over booked and will pass this resident up.
There is also out patient therapy covered by Medicare. Mom seems to like this better, even though she will balk about going!
Meals
The caregivers will cook, as well as report to me what my parents do and don't like. I do the shopping online. Nursing home food appears to be institutional. This is because most homes are owned by big corporations. The food is good, however. There is variety.
Multidisciplinary Teams
The nursing home does provide reviews at which time they will allow family to participate. This is when each team member will report the progress or decline of a resident and set goals. Family members are able to actively participate.
We have a team approach at our house. I consult with the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and caregivers working with my parents.
There is alot more to this complex situation. I learn new things as time goes on. Some nursing homes have different areas to house residents. Some specialize in one group, such as Alzheimers patients. When deciding on providing caregivers at home or placing your family member in a facility try to be objective and take their wants into consideration. Sometime, the decision is obvious, sometime it is not. So, Nursing Home or Home?