What do Americans think about nursing homes?

Have you ever read an upbeat news story about nursing homes? Unless you reside in a town that publishes bingo results with the sports scores in its local newspaper, it's not likely. The image of nursing homes presents a bit of a public relations problem, and you're far more likely to run across negative news coverage on escalating costs, neglect and inattention as well as cost-reduction measures that make those entrance fees at nursing homes seem even more excessive. One of the most "lighthearted" yarns to surface about nursing homes in recent years centered upon a Providence, Rhode Island, feline that could intuit when a resident was about to pass on. While family members cherished the advance notice the cat's presence imparted, this is not exactly the sort of story that endears nursing homes to outsiders.

It's not simply the news, though. Nursing homes are distressing, frightening places to most of us. They often arouse shame-prospective residents may be humiliated by impairments or illnesses that render them incapable of caring for themselves, family members might feel guilt-ridden by their powerlessness to assume care for a loved one, and even grandchildren accompanying adults may feel out of place as they are so clearly too young for this environment. A nursing home is often the only remaining option, and the final stop, in housing selections.

In the early days of the United States, feelings of shame surrounding nursing homes were quite normal. Early poor farms and almshouses were in fact stigmatized by state governments. These were the archetypes for nursing homes at the turn of the 20th century. Disgrace was associated with these dwellings to deter people from using them.

By the 1950s, American society became more amicable towards caring for its elderly as nursing homes became modeled after hospitals. Nursing homes were then recognized more as places to provide for the health of an elder rather than as providing a welfare handout. Sadly, it wasn't until the 1980s that government came to recognize what poor conditions existed in some of these homes and began to initiate reforms to improve in the quality of care received by residents. To this day, the revolution in care continues in the form of the culture change movement, which endeavors to alter the manner in which patients in nursing homes are treated.

"Don't send me to a nursing home." These gut-wrenching words have been uttered by thousands of elderly parents to their children in the last fifty years. Let's face it no one WANTS to go to a nursing home especially as a long-term living situation. 

Americans rarely agree on anything but they might come close on the topic of nursing homes. The idea of a loved one being placed in any kind of long-term care facility is a decision still made with a heavy heart regardless of ethnicity or culture.

Along with the financial commitment, there are many emotions that come into play when Americans think about nursing homes - guilt, sadness, anger, concern, anxiety. Certainly the media seem to only cover unfavorable stories about nursing homes, which is unfortunate. As a healthcare advocate, when it comes to the quality of care delivered, I’ve seen my share of good nursing homes and bad nursing homes. The difference typically boils down to family involvement. Believe me, if nursing home staff knows the patient’s family is attentive and diligent, there are generally less care issues.

With baby boomers approaching their 70s, it’s inevitable that just as they've urged improvements in other areas, their energy may result in more stringent and enforced regulations within the entire elder care industry. I believe the influx of new patients will force positive changes and much-needed innovation in nursing home care.  While I love a good bingo game as much as my grandmother, I think the industry needs to come up with a bit more creative, engaging and stimulating activities for our beloved baby boomers!

Most Americans think of nursing homes as the place people go to die. They also view the care as inadequate and the workforce to be unskilled. Americans are afraid they will "wind up in a nursing home".