People go to nursing homes for different reasons — for example, if they’re sick, hurt, had surgery and need to get better, or have chronic care needs or disabilities that require ongoing nursing care. The high cost of nursing home care has made long-term planning a critical issue for nearly all middle-class seniors and their families. A senior’s savings can be depleted very quickly, leading to a financial crisis. One way to address this kind of concern is through proper Medicaid planning with the help of an experienced lawyer. The Law Office of Scott C. Painter, P.C., will leverage over 25 years of experience to assist you with your planning process!
What is nursing home care?
Some nursing home care is custodial care, offering help with bathing or dressing. Other nursing home care includes skilled care, like changing sterile bandages.
What is long-term care?
Long-term care includes medical and non-medical care provided to people who are unable to perform basic activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing. Long-term supports and services can be provided at home, in the community, assisted-living facilities, and nursing homes.
Before you choose a nursing home, check to see if there are other options available, or if they might help after a nursing-home stay. You may have other long-term care options, like community services, home care, and assisted living, depending on your needs and resources.
If you have Medicare
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) may cover:
- care in a certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) if it’s medically necessary for you to have skilled care.
- short-term nursing stays following hospitalization.
- limited home- and community-based long-term care.
Part A doesn’t cover:
- custodial care if that’s the only care you need.
- long-term care or stays in a nursing home.
If you have Medicaid
Medicaid may cover long-term nursing home stays, and home- and community-based services. Home- and community-based services provide opportunities for people with Medicaid to get services in their own homes or community-based facilities. These programs serve a variety of groups, including people with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities.
The cost of hiring an attorney is far less than the possible cost of paying for long-term nursing home care. A skilled elder law attorney will help you get peace of mind knowing that your loved one is provided for, while helping you craft an economical plan that won’t burden your family.
The Law Office of elder law attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C., is located in Wyomissing (outside of Reading, PA, in Berks County) and offers trusted legal services in the areas of elder law, including nursing home planning, trust and estate services, and Veterans Benefits. Scott C. Painter is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA®), and he is also a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).