Many Woodbury area residents have had to make the difficult decision to place their loved one in a nursing home. There comes a time when an older person is no longer safely able to take care of themselves and nursing homes offer the level of care that they need. But a nursing home can also be extremely expensive, costing thousands of dollars each month. A child of an elderly nursing home resident may wonder if they will have to pay for this care.
In most cases, an adult child will not be responsible for their parent’s care in a nursing home. But when a person is placed in a nursing home it is important to read the contract carefully. It is also important for a child to:
Understand their parent’s financial situation
In the best of circumstances, a parent will have a long-term care insurance policy which will pay for cost the of nursing home care. A copy of that policy should be in the child’s possession.
A parent may have the financial means to pay for the nursing home
If a parent has a lot of money, it is important for the child to plan for how the money will be distributed in the event of the parent’s mental incapacitation. A trustee or durable power of attorney should be arranged.
Parent doesn’t have financial resources
If a parent doesn’t have the financial resources to pay for the nursing home, then a legal professional who is skilled in long-term planning can help. Medicaid may be available as a government option to pay for nursing home care.
In general, meeting with an elder law attorney can be a good way for a family to understand their options when it comes to paying for a nursing home. There are several things to keep in mind during this emotional time and having all the legal options worked through is important.