For centuries families cared for elder members in their homes. It was really the only means known because nursing homes and other care facilities didn’t exist so people couldn’t even consider other options.

home health care west palm beachIn the early 19th century some churches and community groups began to build homes for housing and taking care of the elderly, mainly those people who didn’t have families to care for them. As time went on these homes were expanded and eventually businesses invested in and built nursing homes.

Today large corporations own most of the nursing homes across the country, and here are the top five:

1. Genesis Healthcare Corp., based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, 426 nursing homes

2. HCR Manorcare, based in Toledo, Ohio, 239 nursing homes

3. Life Care Centers Of America Inc., based in Cleveland, Tennessee, 214 nursing homes

4. Sava Senior Care LLC, based in Atlanta, 201 nursing homes

5. The Ensign Group Inc., based in Mission Viejo, California, 169 nursing homes

Now COVID-19 has shined a spotlight on the lives of around 1.5 million Americans who reside in various types of care facilities with more than a third of deaths coming in nursing homes. Will there be fewer nursing homes in the future? It’s unknown if they are safe and so people will have to think twice about them.

If you’re uncertain about looking into a care facility or keeping a loved one at home, you are not alone. Many people are calling us asking advice about what to do, and we are very happy to answer questions about types of care and costs. Call us at (561) 210-9096 seven days a week.

We hope everyone is staying safe.