Steps to Take After Choosing A Nursing Home

Your loved ones deserve the best care in their later years. However, the cost of this care can be financially devastating to your family. The average nursing home in Florida can cost between $9,000 to $12,000 per month. Finding the right nursing home facility for your loved one, while also coming up with the funds to pay for it is a complex process. Read on to learn all about the important personal and financial considerations, you will need to make after choosing a nursing home for your aging loved one. 

Information to Provide the Nursing Home 

The most important part of choosing a nursing home is finding a place that your loved one feels comfortable. Once you find the perfect facility, there is important personal and financial information you will need to provide to the home before your loved one can move in. 

Personal Information

Medical History 

Before taking your loved one to their new home, you should make sure to provide the facility with all of their medical records. This included any past surgeries or treatments they had, shots they've had, and any allergies to food or medication they may have. 

Current Health Status 

You should also bring documentation to the facility that shows the new resident's current health status. Make sure to provide and discuss with the facility information on any physical or mental struggles your loved one is currently dealing with.   

Current Medications 

Providing the facility with all of your loved one's current medications is essential before moving in. You should provide the facility with a list of medications, how often it should be taken, and what the medicine is for. 

Contact Information 

Also, make sure to provide your contact information and any other family members or friends that can be called in case of an emergency. 

Financial Information 

Insurance Coverage 

In terms of financial information, you will need to provide the proper insurance coverage information to the facility before your loved one moves in. Keep in mind that nursing homes must provide an oral and a written statement about how to apply to and use Medicare or Medicaid benefits at their facility. This information should help you.

If you are looking to protect your assets, to qualify for Medicaid ICP/Nursing Home financial assistance, speak with an elder law/Medicaid planning attorney first.

Payment Information 

Along with the insurance coverage information, you will need to provide the facility with payment information prior to your loved one moving in. Finding an affordable nursing home can be a complex process. However, this difficult process can be made easier when working with the assistance of a Medicaid planning attorney.

Nursing Home Move-In Checklist 

Along with providing the facility with all the personal and financial information they will need, you should also make a move-in checklist for move-in day. 

• Clothing and Accessories 
• Personal Care Products 
• Linens and Bedclothes 
• Electrical Items 
• Decorations 
• Favorite Items 

Important Financial Considerations 

After choosing a nursing home for your loved one, you will soon be made aware of the huge financial costs associated with these facilities. In order to prevent your loved one from having their assets waste away on the cost of long-term care, you should consult with an experienced Florida Medicaid planning attorney right away. 

There are strict financial eligibility standards that your loved one must meet to qualify for Medicaid assistance. These eligibility requirements, as of 2021, include:

• An income limit of $2,382 for an individual
• An asset limit of $2,000 for an individual 
• An asset limit of $130,380.00 for a spouse who is not in long-term care

There are ways to legally and ethically adjust your loved one's income or assets to ensure that they meet the Medicaid requirements. However, this is a complex process that you do not want to make mistakes with. These mistakes could cost you and your family thousands of dollars. A Medicaid planning attorney understands these regulations and always has your family's best interest in mind. With the average nursing home facility charging over $100,000 a year, unless you are a multi-millionaire, having a Medicaid planning attorney in your corner is in your financial best interest.  

Consult with a Medicaid Planning Attorney Today 

Before you ever sign the contract with a Florida nursing home, you should consult with a Medicaid planning attorney. Even after choosing a nursing home you think your loved one will love, it is still a good idea to have an experienced professional discuss the important financial and legal considerations with you. We know you want your loved ones to receive the best care possible at their new home. We want this too. We also want to ensure that receiving quality care doesn't end up eating away all the family assets. Contact us today to consult with a Medicaid planning attorney. We look forward to working with you and your family.