The decision to place yourself or a family member into a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions you may ever be asked to make. That is why it’s important to have a plan to know what questions to ask.
Your goals should be to:
- Find the right nursing home;
- Get the best care there;
- Pay for it without going broke.
Here are 9 questions to ask before placing you or a loved one in a nursing home:
Is a nursing home my only option? There may be an alternative to a nursing home, such as assisted living or home health care. A physician, social worker or other professionals can tell you what alternatives are available.
How do I find the right nursing home? Know what your loved one wants. The State of Connecticut ranks virtually every nursing home in Connecticut, based on federal and state investigation reports and other data. Shop around until you find the right nursing home.
Once I find the right nursing home, how can I get in? Be up front with the nursing home admissions director. Be prepared to tell them all about your situation, including your finances, and be prepared to negotiate.
Who will pay for my care…me, Medicare or Medicaid? This will depend on your personal situation and knowledge of this difficult area of law. You also have to be sure to take advantage of the special protections available to your loved one, if he or she will not also be in the nursing home. A good Elder Law attorney can help you through the entire process.
Can they make my kids pay for my care? Not if you handle the admissions process properly. Just be careful not to sign everything that’s put in front of you without a thorough understanding of all the documents.
How can I get the best care there? The most important step you can take is to have a proper care plan in place developed by the nursing home staff professionals (and you) to determine exactly what kind of care you’ll get. The care plan is part of your contract. If you feel you can’t be the best advocate for yourself, then it’s important to get help from an Elder Law attorney or a geriatric care manager or another health professional.
Can I be moved around the facility, from room to room, once I’m admitted? There are several protections for you under federal and state law. Oftentimes, people are moved without proper notice, and even without proper authority. Spend some time learning about your rights as a resident, or work with someone who will be an advocate for you.
What are the nursing home’s duties to me? Ask the nursing home for a copy of their duties under the Nursing Home Reform Act. Because of a history of inadequate care, in the late 1980’s, Congress passed laws which outline the minimum standards for health, safety and residents’ rights in nursing homes. Chances are you’ll be surprised and pleased to learn all of your rights. But, you need to take the time to learn them.
Is there anyone who can help me with all of this? You can get help from many professionals – from an Elder Law attorney to a geriatric care manager, to a social worker. Be sure to deal with a professional who understands the broad range of issues that arise when you or a loved one goes into a nursing home.
