How to Keep Mom (and Yourself) Out of a Nursing Home

by David Fisher, MD

Geriatrician David Fisher, MD, knows the ins and outs of nursing homes. Having admitted thousands of patients to such institutions, he’s intimately familiar with the series of occurrences that often lead older adults or their families to make the difficult decision to choose living arrangements in nursing homes.

How to Keep Mom (and Yourself) Out of a Nursing Home explores the components that contribute to selecting this often-dreaded option, including elders’ physical capabilities, financial considerations, and the painful struggles surrounding the surrender of elders’ independence.

Fisher describes the most common causes of older adults’ nursing home admission along with strategies that will provide your patients with optimal opportunity to avoid the decline that often portends the need for long-term care. The book outlines various preventive measures older adults can employ to maintain their health, vitality, and mobility for as long as possible.

Fisher emphasizes the need for older adults to develop a plan of action, identify competent caregivers, find a supportive advocate, and address legal concerns. He points out that while nursing homes serve a necessary purpose, older adults can choose habits and lifestyles that can improve their chances of living independently.