Stearing clear of nursing homes; try this

Things you might need to help someone stay at home (rather than go to a nursing home for daily living):

1. Walker
2. Wheelchair
3. Commode
4. Urinal
5. Bandages, wrappings, and other medical supplies when appropriate
6. Special stockings or socks
7. Special gadget that helps people put their own sox on
8. Lotions
9. Their own prescribed medications
10. Timers or reminders for medications
11. Palms or digital reminders/or computer pages to remind the patient of medicine or therapy routines
12. Possibly some home care attendants or visiting nurse services
13. Meals on Wheels -- when appropriate
14. Visiting counseling services
15. Visiting doctors' services or doctors on call
16. Posted emergency phone numbers
17. Cellular phone service and or lifeline-- whichever is more appropriate
18. Bathtub and shower bars
19. Grippers or Gophers to help reach things on high shelves or pick up things
20. and some other gadgets and equipment

This is just a beginning and a short list of what you might need if you want to stay in your own home rather than live in a nursing home.

We are happy to hear from you regarding your own experiences in nursing homes and rehab centers. Whether you are a patient, resident, staff or visitor, we welcome you to communicate with us.