Quick Decision Guide
When Need Is Urgent - Quick Guide to Choosing A Nursing Home
Maybe you've just been told your loved one needs a nursing home - now. You need solid information and you need it fast. We understand the pressure you're under. Use this guide to help make this process less stressful. We've outlined the most critical issues with direct links to lists and information in our Family Resource Center to help you make the best possible choices.
Patients may leave the hospital after an illness or other health event, and still need skilled nursing care. Often families have not already planned for long-term care. Here are a few of the questions you may already be facing.
1. When (day and time) must a decision be reached?
Be certain of the day and time the transfer to the nursing home is planned. Knowing exactly when you need to be admitted will help you focus your search.2. Has your loved one been referred by a physician?
All residents admitted to a nursing home must be admitted by a physician who certifies that skilled nursing care is needed. Nursing home residents must remain under the care of an attending physician during their stay. If your family physician does not care for residents in a nursing home, talk to the discharge planner or nursing home admissions personnel about finding a physician.3. Where would I look for an appropriate nursing facility?
NCHCFA offers a Facility Finder for nursing homes in North Carolina. Ask relatives and trusted friends for recommendations. If at all possible, visit more than one facility in person. Talk to the nursing home admissions personnel by phone. You may also be able to learn about a facility through its Web site. Use our checklist of questions to ask to help you keep track of important questions and answers so you can make an informed comparison.4. What kinds of special care will your loved one need after entering the nursing home?
It is a good idea to invite a nurse from the nursing home to visit your loved one at the hospital. This gives the nursing home a head start on individualized care and developing important relationships. Go to the nursing home prepared with notes so that you cover all of the issues - medical and personal - that are important to you and your family member. Be sure to ask about what services are included in the monthly charges.5. How do we pay for this care?
Find out before hospital discharge if your loved one is eligible for Medicare coverage for post-hospital long-term care. Unfortunately, Medicare can be a very complicated topic. Many people believe the benefits are greater than they actually are and cover longer stays, etc. Ask your hospital discharge coordinator or nursing home admissions personnel to help you understand your specific situation.If your loved one is not eligible for Medicare, or if s/he is not moving from a hospital to a nursing care facility, payment will likely come from either (a) long-term care insurance (if applicable); (b) from personal financial resources; or (c) through application for coverage from Medicaid.*
Learn more about paying for long-term care.
Learn more about Medicare.
Learn more about Medicaid.