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The terms “skilled nursing facility” and “nursing home” are often used interchangeably. Technically different services, they are similar to each other in many ways and are often offered under the same roof. The difference is that nursing homes are intended for long-term living while skilled nursing facilities are geared toward temporary stays focused on rehabilitation.

Residents of skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes receive 24-hour care from medical personnel. Certified nursing aides assist with most direct care, like bathing, walking, or getting out of bed. Nurses and therapists are readily available to assist with “skilled care” –  treatments that would be unsafe for others to perform.

Skilled nursing facilities provide the highest level of medical care possible outside of a hospital. If your loved one has been hospitalized with a serious condition and is ready for discharge, but not yet ready to come home, they might qualify for skilled nursing.

If your loved one can no longer live at home – or in their assisted living facility – because their medical or care needs are too great, moving into a nursing home might be a good option.

Medicaid usually pays only for nursing home care – rarely for assisted living or other long-term care settings – so if your loved one relies on Medicaid to pay for long-term care, they’ll likely need to find a nursing home.

Read more about the differences in coverage between 

Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing under limited circumstances– for example, when it’s medically necessary in order to recover from a significant hospitalization. They’ll pay for no more than 100 days per benefit period.

As far as nursing homes go, in 2021, the average annual cost of a semi-private room – one shared with a roommate – was $94,900. A private room came in at $108,405. These numbers represent a national average, but you can use 

 to find the average cost of nursing homes in your area.

How to Find a Skilled Nursing Facility or Nursing Home

If your loved one is in a hospital and needs a skilled nursing facility for short-term rehabilitation, the hospital will help you find one and make the arrangements directly with the facility.

If you’d like to get a better sense of what skilled nursing facilities are available in your area – or if you’re looking for a nursing home for long-term care – you have a few options for finding facilities to compare.

First, figure out which facilities are available in your area. Use any or all of these steps:

Consult your Olera dashboard to find facilities in your area.

Ask your health care providers, friends, or neighbors for recommendations. Find out if your doctor visits any local nursing homes to provide on-site visits.

Are you looking for the closest facility, a comfortable environment, a focus on dementia care, or a facility that allows pets?

Are there any deal-breakers that would automatically disqualify a potential facility? (For example, a facility where none of the staff speaks your loved one’s primary language.)

Ask about costs, whether they have available rooms or waiting lists, and any deal-breakers that might exclude them from consideration.

Arrange to visit those that pass this initial screening.

After you’ve narrowed the options to the top two or three:

Visit your top picks again, unannounced, at a different time of day. Visit at least once during mealtime.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the management and staff.

Read more at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid official 

Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility care

How to Choose a Nursing Home | National Institute on Aging

What's the Difference Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home? | AARP Medicare Plans

Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes

Navigate the world of nursing homes with our comprehensive guide, covering vital information on services, costs, benefits, and factors to consider when selecting the ideal facility. Gain the knowledge and confidence to make well-informed decisions for your loved one's care.

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Harlingen

Harlingen, located in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, is a city known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. It boasts a blend of small-town charm with a growing economy, influenced by its proximity to the Mexican border and a range of local businesses. The city's warm climate and affordable cost of living make it a popular choice for retirees and families alike.

The average cost of nursing home care in Harlingen, TX, is approximately $5,000 to $6,000 per month for a semi-private room. Costs can vary based on the level of care required, the facility's amenities, and other factors.

The average household income in Harlingen is around $45,000 per year. This figure reflects a moderate income level, with many residents benefiting from the city's lower cost of living.

Ranking of Harlingen among Top Cities in Texas

Harlingen is often ranked in the lower to mid-tier range among Texas cities based on various factors such as economic development, quality of life, and overall growth. It is well-regarded for its affordability and community spirit but may not rank as highly in terms of large-scale economic metrics or high-income levels compared to major Texas cities like Austin or Dallas.

Top Nursing Home Providers/Facilities in Harlingen, TX:

Harlingen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Harlingen, located in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, is a city known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. It boasts a blend of small-town charm with...

Best Nursing Home near me in Harlingen, Texas

Texas

Nursing homes in Texas can provide a safe and professional environment for seniors who require medical care and assistance with daily living. The costs of nursing homes in Texas are relatively lower than the national average, making it a more affordable option for families. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Texas is slightly lower than the national average.

Some of the most popular cities in Texas include Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. These cities have a large population of seniors and offer a variety of nursing home facilities.

Some of the top nursing home facilities in Texas include:

Belmont Village West University in Houston

The Village at Gleannloch Farms in Spring

When choosing a nursing home facility in Texas, it is important to consider the specific needs of your loved one and the services provided by each facility. It is recommended to visit each facility in person and ask questions about the staff, medical services, and amenities available.

Gain a complete understanding of nursing homes in Texas, including available services, costs, regulations, and key factors when selecting the best facility for your loved one. Our concise guide helps you make informed decisions for long-term care within the Lone Star State.

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This article discusses the benefits of non-medical home care for family caregivers and provides information on the cost and availability of such services.

Non-medical home care can help family caregivers by providing assistance with activities of daily living and 24-hour supervision.

Most people who hire home health aides and personal care aides pay out-of-pocket, with the average rate for a home health aide being $17 per hour.

Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans may be eligible for homemaker and home health aide services, depending on their health status and eligibility criteria.

Article Summary

Your parent may need help with their activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, bathing or using the bathroom. They may also need someone to cook meals, do laundry and keep their home clean, if they aren’t able to care for themselves in those ways anymore. And depending on their health status, they may need 24-hour supervision.

If you’re a family caregiver with a job, a family and your own household to run, being ever-present to meet your parent’s daily needs may not be a possibility. Trying to do everything by yourself may be stressful and overwhelming. But hiring a home health aide or personal care aide can keep your parent safe and cared for in their own home while you supervise, rather than run the show. It’s a valuable service that may help you feel less stressed and more in control of your life.

Having someone else to rely on to handle basic care and companionship for your parent may give you peace of mind, whether you live across town and visit regularly, or you’re across the country.

How can non-medical home care help family caregivers?

Most people who hire home health aides and personal care aides pay out-of-pocket, whether they find an aide through a home care agency or place an ad and hire someone privately. Aides are hired by the hour, whether through an agency or individually. Agencies may have a minimum number of hours that aides must work per day and/or week.

 is $17 per hour. Home health aides and personal care aides who are hired through an agency are more expensive than those who are hired directly, but there are advantages to paying a bit more; the agency takes care of taxes, background checks and other necessary paperwork. If you hire someone on your own, you’ll have to do all of these administrative tasks, plus interviewing potential candidates, hiring and firing.

Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of a home health aide, except under very limited circumstances. If someone has 

, Medicare may pay for a part-time home health aide for 3 weeks or less, provided that Medicare has agreed to pay for part-time in-home skilled nursing during the same time frame.

, they may be eligible for a home health aide, if they can prove that their health condition prevents them from managing their activities of daily living. Each state may have its own rules and criteria for eligibility. Some home care agencies may not accept Medicaid.

 may be eligible for homemaker and home health aide services, if they are enrolled through the VA and are unable to manage their activities of daily living on their own. The VA will send aides from a home care agency that they contract with locally.

If your parent has a long-term-care insurance plan, they may have coverage for a home health aide or personal care aide, but you’ll have to read the fine print to see if this is a service that’s available to them.

How much does non-medical home care cost?

If you’re seeking a home health aide or personal care aide for your parent, you can search for local home care agencies through Medicare’s 

, which will provide contact information for your local Area Agency on Aging; or the 

 from the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP. Your parent’s doctor may also have recommendations about local home care agencies.

When you call home care agencies to find a home health aide or personal care aide, asking questions should help you find an agency and aide that will suit your parent’s needs. Consider questions like:

Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance?

Are your employees licensed and background-checked?

How long have your aides been with the company?

Are services available to my parent 24/7, if there’s an off-hours emergency?

What is the procedure for providing a replacement aide if the scheduled aide is unable to work on a given day?

Can we request the same aide at each visit if my parent likes someone particular?

Do you create care plans for clients? Can my family have input into my parent’s care plan?

How do I find non-medical home care for my loved one?

Confidently choose the perfect skilled nursing facility for your loved one with our comprehensive guide. Learn essential factors, tips, and resources to ensure a well-informed decision, providing top-notch care and support in a nurturing environment.

Best Nursing Home near me in Harlingen, Texas

Best Nursing Home near me in Harlingen, Texas

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Nursing Homes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Skilled Nursing Facility