How To Select a Residential Facility for a Loved One

What happened at * nursing home never should have happened. It is a tragedy that could have and should have been avoided.  Placing a loved one outside of their private home for care can be unsettling for both the elder and their family.  In order to make the best informed decision on placement there are several tools client can access and things they can do.  Here are just a few:

1. Consumers can access the Agency for Health Care Administration’s website to review up-to-date information on how a facility did during an inspection, the services it provides and whether it is under a watch. Go to https://ahca.myflorida.com/Nursing_Home_Guide/index.shtml
2. Visit the facility outside of normal business hours to observe the resident to staff ratio.
3. When taking a tour pay attention to how quickly a staff member responds to a resident.
4. Have a board certified elder law attorney review the lease agreement before it is signed. This can save your client from becoming personally financially responsible for payment and subjecting themselves to illegal provisions.

If you have concerns once your loved one is in a facility contact the local Ombudsman who can advocate on behalf of the resident.

Make sure that you have consulted with a board certified elder law attorney to prepare documents for your loved one so you can make their financial and medical decisions if they become incapacitated and avoid a guardianship.

I take pride in guiding people through legal aging issues to become informed consumers and maintain their independence and dignity. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you and your clients.

We are your trusted planning advisor through life.℠

Suggested Webinars:

• How To Be an Effective Advocate for a Nursing Home Resident or Rehab Patient;
• A World of Choices for Long-Term Care Planning & Retirement;
• Solutions To Saving Assets from Nursing Home Costs At the 11th Hour;