Mississippi Nursing Home Care

You may be feeling your age when considering a nursing home in Mississippi, however, this state’s history goes back over 8,000 years to the ancient buffalo trails of the Chickasaw and Choctaw Native Americans. Luckily, those paths now lead to quality nursing home facilities providing 24-hour care for seniors with debilitating physical or mental conditions, and who require extra assistance with daily life.

With over 200 nursing homes in Mississippi to choose from, we’re confident you’ll find the right fit for a long-term senior care option.

Find NURSING HOMES Facilities In MISSISSIPPI

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Nursing Homes in Mississippi – Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Gulfport $4,565 $6,845 $6,235
Hattiesburg $5,935 $6,600 $6,390
Jackson $4,655 $6,085 $5,750

While nursing home care costs are high, the cost of skilled nursing care in Mississippi is typically lower than the national average cost. The median annual cost of a skilled nursing home in Mississippi comes to around $80,300 for a private room and $69,715 for semi-private living quarters. That’s roughly and respectively $220 and $205 a day, so it can help to shop around and find the best value based on your budget and specific needs.

If you are seeking more information regarding skilled nursing homes in Mississippi, check out Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in Mississippi

Overflowing with heritage and historical sites, Mississippi is home to many unique intersections of culture. Retrace the birth of the Blues at the Delta Blues Heritage Festival in Greenville, or take a trip to the Oakes African American Cultural Center to learn about the achievements of African Americans in the area. Other places like the Natchez Trace Parkway can make for a scenic afternoon trip out into the countryside.

Senior centers in Mississippi can also provide a wealth of activities such as wellness programs, group exercises, educational opportunities and much more! Many homes will provide transportation and meals at relatively nominal fees, so finding a senior center near you can make a world of a difference. 

Mississippi’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Mississippi is one of the nation’s most racially divided places. This stems from the end of the Civil War when plantation owners were unwilling to give up their authority. The state also has some social issues being one of the poorest and least educated states. However, there are some bright points about the Magnolia State. This is a deeply southern state with a lot of pride and residents are hardworking. The music scene in Mississippi is heavily influenced by jazz, gospel, and rock. Coastal beach towns provide a much more carefree lifestyle in the state.

Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate like most of the southern states. This means long hot summers and short cool winters. You can expect average summer high temperatures in the upper-80 to low-90-degree Fahrenheit range. Winter months are mild with high daily temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees. Thunderstorms are common, especially in the southern regions of the state. The state also experiences nearly 30 tornadoes per year.

Mississippi’s Skilled Nursing Home Regulations & Laws

The Division of Health and Facilities Licensure and Certification, an agency of the Mississippi Department of Health oversees nursing homes. The state ensures that nursing homes are complying with all state and federal standards of care. Nursing homes are subject to routine inspections. Any violations will be reported to the nursing home administrator and will need to be corrected within a time period, or the administrator can lose their license.

Crime & Safety in Mississippi

Mississippi’s violent crimes are about 25 percent lower than the national average. The state has been successful in preventing crime and lowering rates. When you move to a new community, it is important that you are aware of your surroundings, and that you have somewhere safe to live. If you are not sure where to start your search for safe cities in Mississippi, check out the following places:

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Florence0.236.03
Louisville2.184.83
Petal0.187.62
Brandon0.758.98

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Skilled Nursing Care in Mississippi

Since programs like Medicare and personal insurance don’t often cover the major expenses of nursing home care, many seniors apply for coverage through federal and state joint funded assistance programs like Medicaid. To qualify, applicants must be 65 or older, blind or disabled, and receive clearance from a physician that nursing care is needed. Monthly income cannot exceed $1,635 for individuals applying for Medicaid, along with other limitations.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Nursing Home Care in Mississippi

Remember, just because someone enters a nursing home doesn’t mean their freedoms as an American citizen are left behind. The federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law ensures that you are treated with dignity and provided with the appropriate care and accommodations. You still retain the right to manage your own finances and participation in receiving care and other nursing home activities. Be sure to learn and understand all of your residential rights so that you can protect yourself. If ever these rights are violated, contact a lawyer well versed in elder law.

MS Nursing Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

In Mississippi, healthcare providers and homes must maintain individual records for a minimum of 10 years following treatment or discharge. Residents have the right to access these records and receive a copy of them to review and verify any inaccuracies or potential violations. For providers following HIPAA guidelines, this request of access must be honored within 30 days, and otherwise within a timely manner.

Making the move to a nursing home can be quite the transition for many people. Hopefully with some quality Mississippi cooking and American Blues, you’ll find yourself right at home in this quaint Southern state.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.