If a loved one needs more daily assistance than family or friends can provide, it may be time to consider selecting a care facility that can better meet your loved one’s needs. Selecting where to place your loved one is a major decision that should not be taken lightly.
Your loved one’s needs and preferences, the quality of the facility, the cost of care, and how you will pay those costs are all important considerations when selecting a facility in New York. These questions can feel overwhelming, but a comprehensive estate planning lawyer at Amoruso & Amoruso LLP can help you sort through each of these factors.
Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your needs.
When Should I Start Preparing to Choose a Care Facility in New York?
It is never too early to start thinking about care facilities or to make an estate plan to protect yourself and your assets as you grow older. However, the time for choosing a long-term care facility may already be upon you if your loved one is struggling to live alone, even with help from friends, family members, or paid caregivers.
You may want to start thinking seriously about NY care facilities if your family member:
- Has a complex medical condition
- Is recovering from an injury or illness
- Has frequent falls or accidents
- Has difficulty maintaining the home or property
- Has difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
- Suffers from dehydration or malnutrition
- Needs help with daily activities like dressing, eating, and bathing
- Needs more socialization
Finally, if caring for a loved one is becoming too much to manage alone, you should consider looking into New York long-term care facilities.
Long-Term Care Options in New York
There are several types of long-term care options in New York, each with varying levels of medical and daily living assistance. According to the New York State Office for the Aging, types of long-term housing include:
- Independent living – Independent living communities offer housing for people over 55. These facilities do not provide skilled nursing or help with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, they do offer amenities and activities, socialization, and an age-friendly living environment designed to suit seniors. Please note that Medicaid generally does not cover the cost of an independent living community.
- Assisted living – Assisted living facilities may be a good choice for individuals who do not need skilled nursing but need assistance with ADLs. Services offered by an assisted living community may include housekeeping and maintenance, laundry, meal services, educational and recreational activities, and help with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. Be aware that Medicaid only covers a handful of assisted living facilities.
- Nursing home –Your loved one may need a nursing home in New York if they need 24/7 assistance from a registered nurse or daily therapy services. A skilled nursing facility can benefit residents requiring services such as skilled nursing care, general rehabilitation, physical therapy, respiratory care, Parkinson’s care, and stroke recovery. With proper planning, Medicaid may cover the cost of living in a nursing home.
How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me Afford Nursing Home Care?
Most people can afford to pay out of pocket for a nursing home for only a short time. An elder care lawyer can help you explore payment options, including paying through Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or life insurance policies. Our firm can review your situation and help you identify ways to pay for a nursing home, including helping you apply for assistance.
Assessing Your Care Needs
When determining your care needs, it can be helpful to speak with advisors, including health care providers, an elder law attorney, and care facility administrators.
Factors you will want to assess include:
- The extent of medical care needed
- Activities of daily living that require assistance
- Conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia that may require specialized care
What If I Don’t Know the Type of Long-Term Care I Will Need?
If you or a loved one haven’t yet reached the point of needing long-term care, it’s okay if you don’t know exactly what type of long-term care you may need. None of us can predict the future. What you can do is make the most comprehensive plan possible, so you’re ready when the time comes.
As with assessments of your loved one’s care needs, advice from an experienced elder care and estate planning attorney can help you make an informed decision.
Tips for Researching NY Nursing Homes
You can learn a lot about NY nursing homes by researching online, making phone calls, and sending emails. A great place to start is Medicare’s nursing home search. You only need to enter your zip code to find a list of facilities in your area and their ratings.
When choosing between the facilities you find, the New York State Department of Health advises that you visit the facility in person first. You should inspect:
- The facility’s overall appearance – Is the care home well-maintained, clean, and decorated? Are wheelchairs and equipment in good condition? Is there a lounge or common area for residents? Are residents allowed to keep their personal possessions in their rooms?
- Safety – Are walkways clear? Is there adequate lighting? Are elevators, stairways, and exits clearly marked?
- Behavior of the residents and staff – Are residents dressed and out of bed? Are residents socializing? Are there group activities? Do residents and staff have a friendly, warm relationship? Do staff members respond promptly when needed?
- Food and dining – Do residents eat together in a dining room? Do they socialize? Does the food look healthy and appetizing? Are dining areas clean?
When touring any facility, make sure you ask questions. Ask the residents how they like the home, caregivers, food, and activities. You can also ask staff members about their favorite things to do with residents, how nursing shifts are scheduled, and how they respond to emergencies.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Attorneys Serving New York
Selecting a New York nursing home or other long-term care facility can seem overwhelming, but Amoruso & Amoruso LLP can help. Our elder law attorneys have nearly 60 years of combined legal experience. Our credentials include membership in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the New York State Bar Association Elder Law Section, and New York Metro Super Lawyers.
Contact our firm online or call today to learn how we can help you choose a care facility and make a comprehensive estate plan.
