When your parent has Alzheimer's disease, you are faced with a number of tough decisions, and the most important is how to take care of him or her. Nursing homes are a popular option for many families. If you are considering your options, it is important that you understand the various aspects of a nursing home, including how to pay for it. 

Why a Nursing Home?

A parent with Alzheimer's disease needs 24-hour supervision and care. In a nursing home, your parent is not only receiving this supervision to ensure that he or she does not wander off or inadvertently suffer an injury, but he or she also has access to trained medical assistance. Nursing homes usually have a wide range of medical professionals on staff, including nurses, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and nutritionists. All of these medical providers work together to develop a treatment plan that can help improve the quality of your parent's life.

Another reason you and your family should consider a nursing home for your parent is that it eases the burden on the family. Even the most devoted family member can suffer emotional and physical strain when caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease.

When Should You Make the Move?

Another difficult decision you and your family will make is when to place your parent into a nursing home. An important thing to remember is that this is a good option to ensure your parent's physical and mental well being, so you should not delay the move because of feelings of guilt. 

If your parent has reached the point in which 24-hour care is necessary and he or she is unable to take care of daily living tasks alone, it is probably time for placement. If your parent is still in the earliest stages of the disease, talk about when he or she feels would be the best time to move to a nursing home. 

How Can You Pay for the Nursing Home?

Nursing home expenses can include room and board, medical care, recreational activities, and other fees. Fortunately, there is a good chance that your parent's insurance covers the cost of care. If your parent has Medicare, this program can also help pay for the nursing home care. 

If your parent is a veteran, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to learn about programs that are available to help cover the costs of a nursing home. 

To better understand your options, schedule tours of nursing homes in your area. You will not only discover other benefits of full-time care, but you can alleviate some of the concerns you have. Consider speaking with a representative from a nursing home like Beth Sholom Home Of Virginia today.