A decision to stay in a nursing home is based more on health care needs than housing needs. Depending on the severity and the expected duration of an illness, a nursing home stay might be the best choice for senior health care. The advantage of a nursing home is that the senior will receive 24-hour, 7 day-a-week specialized care.

Nursing home services may be covered in part or in full by private pay, long-term care insurance or health care insurance. When skilled nursing becomes necessary, seniors with low income and insufficient, or no insurance, may apply to the county for help. Hospital social workers can help with the application process. Seniors and those concerned with their care can talk with an Anoka County Public Health Nurse.

For a list of nursing homes in Anoka County and elsewhere in Minnesota, go to the Nursing Home Database on the Minnesota Department of Human Services Web site.

To see annual inspection reports for most of Minnesota's nursing homes, go the the Inspection Findings, Nursing & Boarding Home Survey page on the Minnesota Department of Health Web site.