Senior home and nursing homes – admission procedure to long-term care facilities.

Caring for the elderly is becoming an increasingly important topic in today’s society, especially considering the growing number of seniors. Choosing the right long-term care home can be crucial to ensuring dignified, professional care. In this article, we explain the admission process to a long-term care facility step by step to help make an informed decision.

1. What is a long-term care home?

Senior homes are facilities that specialize in the care of individuals who need continuous assistance with daily activities such as eating, hygiene, or mobility. These facilities employ specialized caregivers, nurses, and medical staff to provide seniors with safety and comfort.

Types of facilities:

Nursing homes (DPS) – offer comprehensive support and care.

Care and rehabilitation centers (ZOL) – for individuals requiring intensive medical care.

Private senior homes – often provide more comfortable conditions.

2. What documents are needed for admission?

Each facility may require slightly different documents, but typically the following are needed:

• Application for admission – formal request for admission to the facility.
• Disability certificate – a document confirming the senior’s health condition, if needed.
• Medical certificate – confirming the need for long-term care.
• Medical history – test results, treatment information, and current medications.

3. Admission criteria for a care home

Not every elderly person can be admitted to a long-term care facility. Admission criteria may vary depending on the facility, but typically include:

Health condition – individuals requiring continuous medical care have priority in facilities such as ZOL.

Inability to live independently – elderly people who cannot manage on their own at home may apply for a place in a care home.

Age – many facilities specialize in caring for seniors above a certain age.

4. Step-by-step admission process

5. Application and consultation

The first step is to contact the selected facility to obtain information about available places and the admission process. It is also advisable to visit the senior home to assess the conditions on-site.

6. Submission of documents

Next, all required documents must be prepared and submitted. In the case of public care homes, the process may involve more formalities, including approval from the social services office.

7. Health assessment

In many cases, before admission, the senior’s health condition is assessed by the facility’s doctors or a medical commission. This is important to match the level of care to the individual’s needs.

8. Decision on admission

After the medical assessment and review of the documentation, the facility makes a decision on the admission of the senior. In public homes, the waiting time for a place may be longer, especially in large cities.

9. Costs of staying in a care home

The costs of care in long-term care facilities can vary significantly depending on the type of care home. In public homes, the fee depends on the senior’s income, and part of the costs may be covered by the state. In private care homes, prices range from several hundred to several thousand euros per month, depending on the standard and scope of services.

10. What to consider when choosing a care home?

When choosing a senior home, several key factors should be considered:

• Location – whether the facility is close to the family to facilitate visits.
• Quality of care – the number of caregivers per senior, reviews from other residents and their families.
• Medical facilities – availability of medical care and rehabilitation.
• Food and living conditions – the comfort of daily life.

Admitting a senior to a long-term care home requires a well-thought-out decision and preparation. It is important to become familiar with the procedures and formal requirements to provide the loved one with the best care and support in their later years.