Whether you have to choose a skilled nursing facility for an elderly relative quickly or through long-term planning, it can be a tough decision. You want to ensure that your loved one is in a facility that offers the right type of clinical and personal care along with compassionate care. Here are some tips on how to do it.
Choosing the Right Place
In choosing the right skilled nursing facility for your loved one, consider meals, nursing care and physical rehabilitation. You can also speak with social workers and friends to find out what places they suggest. Start to visit different skilled nursing facilities for an inside view of the everyday operations. Be on the lookout for how well-cared for residents look. Is there good interaction between staff and residents? Does the facility have Medicare and Medicaid certification? Ask to see the current certification and inspection report of any nursing home you’re considering. Meet with the director and the nursing director and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
It's also important to visit a facility more than one time. Make another visit without calling ahead. Stop by at mealtime. Does the food look good? Is the dining area clean and attractive? In addition, be sure to read over the contract before signing it. You may even want an attorney to review it.
Nursing Home Care Costs
It’s important to consider nursing home care costs and find one that affordable. Look into the current rules about the costs of long-term care along with Medicare and Medicaid guidelines. Medicare will often cover some of the cost of long-term care, and Medicaid provides health benefits to some people with low income. If you have the funds, you may also use savings for nursing home costs and apply for Medicaid later on. And if you have long-term care insurance, it may pay for a portion of the nursing home care costs. Just keep in mind that there are typically extra out-of-pocket expenses, such as hair appointments and other types of personal care.
Peconic Bay Medical Center, eastern Suffolk County’s largest hospital, offers many services for the elderly population, including comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation and orthopedic programs, joint replacement surgery, in-patient and out-patient physical therapy, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation through our certified Home Health agency. Our Caregivers Center offers supportive resources for family caregivers who may be seeking more information about long-term care options. For more information, give us a call today.