Anyone who lives long enough will eventually require some form of long-term care, but unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t plan for that eventuality. If you or a loved one are preparing for the possibility of needing around-the-clock attention at a dedicated facility, we can help in your search for the best nursing home suited to your needs.
What to Look for in a New York Nursing Home
The number one issue to keep in mind is that it is better to plan ahead and know what facility you want and how to pay for it before you need to make the move. Don’t wait for a medical or financial emergency to strike. Here’s how to start the search:
- Go local if possible. Having a close support system of family and friends can be extremely helpful for someone newly moved to a nursing home. While visitation protocols have changed for pandemic reasons, it’s still better to avoid long-distance situations.
- Protect yourself or your loved one from potential elder abuse. Inspection reports and reviews from residents and their families are easy to obtain online, and an attorney can steer you in the right direction towards reliable resources.
- Perform an in-person visit to see conditions on a typical day. Fancy exterior designs or slick websites don’t always equate to a better quality of care. You should evaluate the facilities in person, but also take into account the conditions of the other residents. Do they seem well cared for? Are staff members treating residents with respect and do they seem actively engaged in helping people under their care?
When you have a nursing home in mind, the next step is to plan for how to cover the costs—which can be considerable. Many seniors must rely on Medicaid to cover the immense expense of a nursing home stay. Unfortunately, that has to be taken into account well in advance, as Medicaid’s five-year lookback period can leave you in a difficult financial situation if you weren’t prepared.
Talk to an Experienced Elder Law Attorney
An attorney can help you choose the right location and develop a financial strategy ahead of time so you aren’t stuck with astronomical nursing home bills. If you’re starting to plan for the future, get in touch to book a free consultation so we can find out how to protect you both medically and financially.