The prospect of entering a nursing home is emotional for many people. As you or a family member grapples with this change of circumstances, it’s crucial to consider the financial impact of institutional care. Nursing home care is not cheap in New York, but with proper planning, you can prepare for those costs without draining your assets. The elder law attorneys at Amoruso & Amoruso LLP can calm your worries by providing knowledgeable nursing home planning in Westchester County.
Why Nursing Home Planning is Essential in Westchester County
Why should you plan for nursing home care? Although you may want to avoid thinking about it now or think you are too young to consider it, having a plan for long-term care can eliminate the uncertainty of making these decisions in a rush. Nursing home planning will also provide you with:
- Financial preparedness – Because long-term care is expensive, you can protect your resources and provide for your care by exploring and implementing financing options now.
- Control – If you plan for long-term care before you need it, you can take the time to make informed decisions after carefully evaluating all your options
- Peace of mind – By planning early for your potential long-term care needs, you can give yourself and your family much-needed peace of mind.
Key Components of Nursing Home Planning
A Westchester County elder law attorney can assist you in all aspects of nursing home planning by:
- Discussing estate planning strategies such as trusts, Medicaid planning, or long-term care insurance to manage nursing home costs
- Helping you locate a long-term care facility that best suits your future needs
- Preparing advanced medical directives so nursing home staff and your family know the types of care you wish to receive
- Reviewing admissions paperwork at various facilities so you have a clear understanding of your rights as a resident
Choosing the Right Nursing Home in Westchester County
Choosing the right nursing home is critical as part of your long-term care planning. Some considerations when evaluating options include:
- Your needs and wants – Consider whether your future needs might include assistance with daily living activities and whether you want the facility to provide hospice care or have a memory care unit.
- Personal recommendations – In addition to speaking with our attorneys, ask your friends and family members about their experience with long-term care facilities in the area.
- Your opinion after visiting – Seeing the facilities yourself, speaking with the directors, and learning about their services may best inform you about which nursing home would fit your unique preferences.
Protecting Resident Rights
You have rights as a resident in New York nursing homes. They include the right to:
- Be treated with respect, dignity, and a comfortable living environment
- Receive care without discrimination
- Make your own decisions
- Be given written information about nursing home services and fees before you enter the nursing home.
- Control your property and money
- Communicate privately
- Make independent choices about your activities and personal preferences
- Receive visitors of your choosing when you choose
- Be free from elder abuse (e.g., verbal, sexual, mental, or physical)
- Be free of restraints
- Have a user-friendly complaint procedure
- Exercise your rights without fear of retaliation
- Appeal a transfer or discharge with the New York State Department of Health
Why Work with Amoruso & Amoruso LLP?
When you need skilled and sophisticated nursing home planning in Westchester County, NY, look no further than Amoruso & Amoruso LLP. We use a collaborative and comprehensive approach to develop estate and nursing home plans for our clients. Whatever your elder law needs, we are here for you. Contact us today to speak to a nursing home planning attorney in a confidential consultation.
