Selecting a Nursing Home for a Loved One

Choosing a nursing facility for a loved one is a difficult and emotional task. It is hard to face that a loved one can no longer care for themselves. At Wilson Law, P.A., we are committed to providing you with the tools you need to make the best decision for your loved one’s care.

Care Services
Services differ per facility and you should take careful stock of what your loved one needs before you begin your search. Some questions to consider include:

● Does my loved one require long-term or short-term care?
● Does the facility have the equipment and staff to handle my loved one’s condition?
● Are there specialty care programs available for specific conditions?
● Which medical professionals are available on-site?
● How are prescription drugs handled?

Facility and Staff
Always check that the nursing facilities you are considering are properly licensed with the state. Other facility and staff questions you should ask include:

● What are the visitation policies?
● What is the staff to patient ratio?
● How secure is the facility?
● Can special menu requests be made?
● Are private or semi-private rooms available?
● Has the facility or staff won any awards?
● Which other amenities are available?

Cost and Fees
According to Medicare.gov, most long-term facilities aren’t covered by Medicare, but Medicaid may cover part or all of the fees. It’s also important to inquire about the payment schedule and any additional fees that could be incurred such as special meals, television, phone, or transportation.

Learn More
Medicare.gov offers a helpful nursing home compare tool that includes 15,000 nursing facilities throughout the country. It includes health inspection data, staffing and other quality measures. You can also contact your local long-term care ombudsman through The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

We also encourage you to use your personal instincts when choosing a nursing facility. If everything seems great, but your gut says no, there’s probably a reason for it. Do a quick Google search on the facility to see if it has had any negative press. Visit a facility several times, scheduled and unscheduled, so you can get a true picture of what the facility is like. Ask friends or family with loved ones in nursing facilities about their experiences. Try to find and contact references for the nursing facilities that you are considering.

Please contact Wilson Law, P.A. if you need assistance with Medicaid planning for yourself or a loved one. Your first consultation is FREE!

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