Jordanian Nursing Homes: Admission Policy Analysis

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM SITUATION: Although the elderly have many physical, mental, and psychosocial needs, nursing homes are still a new emergent concept in Jordan. Moreover, the elderly who have access to nursing homes, are often not admitted, based on specific criteria, nor have access to governmental funds. The elderly that are admitted to nursing homes are admitted for a myriad of reasons, such as families’ desires, referrals from the ministry of social welfare due to socioeconomic issues, health issues (i.e. disability), and absence of caregivers (Al-Qudah, 2011). What is lacking in Jordan, is a well-defined admission and screening tool that clearly defines eligibility for nursing home admission

POLICY ALTERNATIVE: The policy alternative is leaving Jordanian elderly with special needs in their homes without receiving appropriate care predisposing the elderly to a higher risk of health complications. North Carolina has been chosen as an example of a state that implements a screening tool for admission.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The Ministry of Social Development might tailor the NC Medicaid forms (Level I and Katz and MoCA, and Level II of the NC Medicaid screening tool) as an admission screening policy that could be successful in identifying the eligible older adults to admit to nursing homes and receive designated aids from the Jordanian governmental organizations.