8-Step Guide: How to Get a Senior Admitted into a Nursing Home
Table of Content
Most assisted living communities can help you discuss the option of nursing home care with your parent, especially because they may be unable to provide all the care necessary to keep your parent safe. However, there are some circumstances where social services may step in to ensure that an elderly person is receiving the care and support they need. For example, if an elderly person is living in unsanitary or unsafe conditions, or if they are not eating or drinking enough, social services may intervene. If your loved one is having difficulty bathing or grooming or other personal care issues, a nursing home can provide assistance. The staff can help residents with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
But be aware that this is not easy nor is it inexpensive. You will need the help of an elder law attorney and it may take some time to complete. So yes – I understand completely if your elderly parent refuses to even set foot in a nursing home environment – even if it’s just temporary.
You’ve Already Tried At-Home Care
The loan amount can be used for any purpose, including paying for nursing home care. Just keep in mind that if you take out a reverse mortgage, you will be depleting your home equity and leaving your heirs with less inheritance. Medicaid eligibility can be difficult to obtain, but there are ways to get around this. These waivers allow people with certain medical conditions to get coverage even if they don’t meet the eligibility requirements.
Not to mention, residents are given the opportunity to meet and befriend others of the same age. Get the latest care and retirement news, advice and offers sent straight to your inbox. Join Care Space, Lottie's online Facebook community, for expert care support and guidance and to connect with others navigating later living.
Beginning The Process
Along with the above-mentioned paperwork, you will need to complete any applications your chosen facility requires. These applications are useful in assigning the correct level of care, but also help the facility to get an idea of your income. A Patient Review Instrument, or PRI, is used to determine whether or not a skilled nursing facility is an appropriate choice. These are done by a registered nurse and are often covered by insurance. They provide all meals, eliminating the risk of kitchen injuries. There’s also medication distribution, which removes the burden of remembering if and when medicine was taken.
If your loved one’s house is becoming cluttered or dirty, it may be time to consider a nursing home. There are three important keys to making this approach work. First is to find a nursing home that accepts both private pay and Medicaid as payers. This will prevent the loved one from having to switch nursing homes when they become Medicaid eligible. The family must get this agreement in writing from the nursing home. Third, the Medicaid application must be made for retroactive Medicaid.
Nursing Home Requirements
Some nursing homes also offer Memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Potential residents who have moderate to severe cognitive impairments are not best served in an assisted living facility. Those who are prone to unusual behaviors, wandering and constant forgetfulness may also benefit from a more monitored environment that is not offered in assisted living.
We believe her son is her power of attorney and has direct access to all her money. Eventually our reader’s situation improved, but she is calling on us all to support carers at home, who are often dealing with extremely difficult circumstances. The decision as to whether or not the person has lost capacity can be made by their medical practitioner or geriatrician, Ms Robertson said. “Unless the person has lost capacity, you can’t put a person into care without their consent,” she said.
When to consider a care home
However, family members have the right to visit their loved ones at any time of the day or night. This is not often laid out clearly during the admission process, but it is the law. Facilities do have the right to limit non-relative visiting hours, however.
Discuss any concerns you have with the facility's senior staff members. Take care of as many details as you can prior to moving day. Seek emotional support from your friends or close family members, your spiritual community, or groups such as the Family Caregiver Alliance. So your plans may have to change at least once, if not multiple times. Stay flexible by gathering new information as necessary and adapting your plans to the current circumstances and future potential needs.
SeniorSafetyAdvice.com is a helpful resource for caregivers and seniors who are aging in place and/or looking to make their home environment as safe and easy as possible. We are not a substitution for any advice from a licensed professional. The information on this website is available AS IS, subject to our Disclaimer and Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy. If you’re considering residential care for someone with dementia, an important thing to remember is that this should only be seen as a last resort. The person with dementia should be involved in the decision-making process as much as possible, and their needs and preferences should be taken into account. If you’re concerned about someone with dementia, the best thing to do is to talk to their primary care physician.
This isn’t to say it’s the care person’s fault, rather, that your loved one just needs more support. Here are 9 signs to consider when trying to decide if it’s time to find a nursing home for your loved one. Some people joke about living in a nursing home as they begin to age, but there comes a time when this becomes less of a funny comment and more of a serious option to consider. If possible – it’s helpful to speak to other family members who have loved ones in the facility to get a full picture of what you can expect.
In the last few months, my mother has been adjusting to her new living situation and so have I. Then, like her, I began worrying about what nursing home living would actually be like. These feelings were very strong and uncomfortable, but normal. Try keeping a journal of the stressful events that led up to this change. Acknowledge these emotions and write something positive daily – about either yourself or how your parent is doing now. Reach out to other loved ones, your spiritual leader, or to friends for support.
Comments
Post a Comment