What kind of care do Nursing Homes provide?
Nursing homes are properties that provide residents with permanent, daily custodial care and limited medical care. These locations are typically not ideal for seniors who require extensive medical attention. However, most nursing homes can accommodate seniors who need regular medical care if they are physically able to travel to medical appointments and they have access to transportation. Many nursing homes also have specially equipped units designed for individuals with impaired memory and cognitive abilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Nurses’ aides provide much of the care in nursing homes, and it is uncommon for a physician to be on staff. Yet, federal law does mandate that a registered nurse be present in Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes at least eight consecutive hours each day, seven days a week, with a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse) present 24 hours a day. Nursing homes can seek federal certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Nursing homes have made considerable strides forward in recent years, with many nursing homes adopting the residential home concept to significantly improve the overall care environment for residents.
Nursing homes generally include, but are not limited to:
- Private or companion room/suite and utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, and trash removal)
- 24-hour care
- Certified health professionals
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and incontinence care.
- Laundry and cleaning services
- Meal preparation
- Monitoring and administering medications
- Social activities, such as crafts, exercise classes, and scenic tours
A nursing home is best suited for:
- Seniors who primarily require routine non-medical care, such as assistance taking medication, transitioning in and out of bed, or using the restroom.
- Patients with permanent physical injuries or conditions that leave them unable to walk, dress, or eat without assistance.
- Elderly individuals with impaired memory or cognitive abilities (including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) and, as a result, require assistance with ADLs.
How much does Nursing Home care cost in Northern Virginia?
The cost of residing in a nursing home in the Northern Virginia area varies depending on several factors, including care needs, room/suite type and size, community amenities, and property location. Still, the costs generally range from around $200 to $325 per day.
The cost of nursing home care may be paid out-of-pocket. Many people either do estate planning a few years before transitioning into a nursing home or “spend down” personal or professional assets to pay for nursing homes care until they are eligible for Medicaid. In Virginia, Medicaid covers long-term care services in nursing homes for qualified adults who cannot afford the cost of the care. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare typically does not cover long-term care stays in a nursing home. Yet, Medicare can still pay for doctor services, hospital care, and medical supplies for individuals receiving care in a nursing home.
Are there Nursing Home resources in Northern Virginia?
Resource |
Contact |
Services |
Alzheimer’s
Association |
800-272-3900 |
The Alzheimer’s
Association provides various
resources for Virginia residents, including information on
Alzheimer's disease and dementia, community outreach, fundraising
events, volunteer opportunities, and more. |
Virginia
Office of Licensure and Certification |
804-367-2102 |
The Virginia Office of Licensure and Certification (VOLC) administers state licensing programs for hospitals, outpatient surgical hospitals, nursing homes, home care organizations, and hospice programs. The VOLC also conducts inspections to ensure compliance with state requirements, investigates consumer complaints, and evaluates compliance with state requirements. |
Division
of Long-Term Care Services |
804-367-2100 804-367-2101 |
The Division
of Long-Term Care Services
enforces Virginia law that requires all nursing homes to be
licensed to operate in the state. |
Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services |
800-633-4227 |
The Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) is responsible for administering federal nursing
home certifications. The CMS also operates the Nursing Home
Resource Center, which includes various tools and resources for
patients and caregivers, such as access to specific nursing home
information and resident rights and quality of care resources. |
Virginia
Board of Nursing |
804-367-4515 |
The
Virginia
Board of Nursing
provides a user portal that serves as the primary verification source for healthcare credentials issued in Virginia, meeting the
requirements of the Joint Commission. |
National
Center for Health Statistics |
800-232-4636 |
The National
Center for Health Statistics
delivers comprehensive health data and tools related to, among
others, providers and patients of long-term care, including home
health care, nursing home care, and residential care communities. |
Virginia
Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services |
804-662-9333 |
The Virginia
Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
provides various free services, including Adult
Services and Adult
Protective Services. The
professional counsellors are trained to provide advice for
various senior-related topics, such as long-term care insurance,
Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug
counselling. |
Virginia’s
Office for Aging Services |
800-552-3402 |
Virginia’s
Office for Aging Services
(OAS) provides Dementia
Services to Virginia
residents living with dementia (to include Alzheimer’s
disease), free Senior
Legal Services, Senior
Health Insurance Counseling,
and many others. OAS also organizes various activities, services,
and initiatives, such as the Brain Health Virginia, Dementia
State Plan, and dementia training. |
Virginia
Association of Area Agencies on Aging |
804-545-1644 |
The Virginia
Association of Area Agencies on Aging
operates five local Agencies on Aging in the Northern Virginia area, including Alexandria,
Arlington,
Fairfax,
Loudoun,
and Prince
William. These agencies
provide a wide range of services for seniors, including meal
services, case management, and transportation. |
Virginia
Department of Veterans Services |
703-359-1210 |
The Virginia
Department of Veterans Services
(DVS) provides eligible Veterans and their spouses with access to
federal and state benefits that may help them afford certain
long-term care services. Along with providing referrals, the DVS
can assist Veterans in applying for Aid and Attendance benefits
or the VA pension. Moreover, Geriatrics
and Extended Care services
are available for eligible Veterans
with dementia (to include Alzheimer’s disease). |
Office
of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman |
804-565-1600 |
The Office
of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
advocates for older persons receiving long-term care services. Whether the care is provided in an assisted living community, memory care location, nursing home, or community-based services to help seniors still living at home, the Office is a great resource. The Office also provides
seniors, their families, and the public with information,
advocacy, and assistance resources to help resolve care problems. |
Virginia
211 |
211
800-230-6977 |
Virginia
211 is a free service that
helps seniors and caregivers connect with local resources, such
as non-medical transportation, nutritional programs, legal
services, and case management. Individuals can call the toll-free
number to speak with trained professionals who provide
recommendations for local services and organizations based on
their specific needs. |