How to Check Nursing Home Costs and Other Information
This page contains a great deal of information on nursing homes and the ways to evaluate them as well as the different kinds of care that are provided. Please screen down to the area of particular interest to you.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services posted the quality ratings of 16,000 individual nursing homes across the U.S. based on a one- to five star scale. The ratings are based on data from state inspections, reports on staffing and quality measures, according to a CMS press release. The homes received stars for each category and for overall quality. Learn more click here.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services posted the quality ratings of 16,000 individual nursing homes across the U.S. based on a one- to five star scale. The ratings are based on data from state inspections, reports on staffing and quality measures, according to a CMS press release. The homes received stars for each category and for overall quality. Learn more click here.
Nursing Home Costs
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the average length of stay in a nursing home in 2011 was 2.4 years and with the national average daily rate for a single occupancy at a private nursing home room of $246.06 this works out to almost $90,000 a year or a total of $216,000.
How to Check a Nursing Home
To compare nursing homes this site provided by Medicare.gov will help click here.
Review the home's most recent annual inspection report, which must be posted at the facility. Also review previous inspection reports and complaint investigations. Facilities must make them available.
Perhaps the most important thing to do, no matter what kind of rating the nursing home has, is to visit the facility. Do their "official tour" and ask questions. Meet some of the staffers and observe the lifestyle. Consider droping by again unannounced and preferably on a weekend.
Common Concerns
To place a loved one in a nursing home can be a stressful situation. Don't let the heat of the moment cause your judgment to be clouded. Most nursing homes provide acceptable care, but there are some that don't. Read over this guide to choosing a nursing home so you can be prepared when making your decision.
Another cause for concern is that many nursing homes these days have arbitration clauses written into their agreements. These clauses take away your right to present your case to a judge and jury in the event of abuse or malpractice. Read this article to understand what forced arbitration is and how you can avoid waiving your rights.
Review the home's most recent annual inspection report, which must be posted at the facility. Also review previous inspection reports and complaint investigations. Facilities must make them available.
Perhaps the most important thing to do, no matter what kind of rating the nursing home has, is to visit the facility. Do their "official tour" and ask questions. Meet some of the staffers and observe the lifestyle. Consider droping by again unannounced and preferably on a weekend.
Common Concerns
To place a loved one in a nursing home can be a stressful situation. Don't let the heat of the moment cause your judgment to be clouded. Most nursing homes provide acceptable care, but there are some that don't. Read over this guide to choosing a nursing home so you can be prepared when making your decision.
Another cause for concern is that many nursing homes these days have arbitration clauses written into their agreements. These clauses take away your right to present your case to a judge and jury in the event of abuse or malpractice. Read this article to understand what forced arbitration is and how you can avoid waiving your rights.
Nursing Home Abuse Information
This site The Nursing Home Abuse Center provides a free online resource with information about senior and elder dangers and safety options. Here you will find resources for exposing senior abuse.
Also, you can find some helpful general information on the dangers of elder abuse by visiting the Nursing Home Abuse Support website.
Also, you can find some helpful general information on the dangers of elder abuse by visiting the Nursing Home Abuse Support website.
What is a Nursing Home and How Much Should it Cost?
Selecting a Nursing HomeThe thought of nursing home placement is one that strikes fear for many older adults and their families. Although this decision is never easy, this guide intends to provide you with information to help make the choice of which facility as well as make the transition a little easier.
The stigma associated with nursing is still alive and well. In the past, many were institutional settings with wards of residents. The rumors of poor care, poor conditions and overall neglect were rampant. Many felt they were “dumped” into the facility because no one else was willing to care for them. Others simply didn’t have any one to care for them.
Beating the reputation of facilities of the past has proved to be difficult. Many of today’s elderly remember these institutions and do not want to subject themselves or their loved one to such conditions. However, it is important to note, that today’s regulations are much more stringent and although there are instances of neglect, abuse and poor care, these are the exception and not the norm.
The Department of Health conducts yearly surveys or inspections to ensure that residents are safe, cared for and living with the dignity they so much deserve. The surveyors take notice of everything from cracks in the wall to staffing levels to the number and cause of bed sores. Each state’s Department of Health can also be notified when a family or patient suspects any wrong doing on the part of the facility.
The term nursing home is actually an outdated term. Most industry professionals have tried to eliminate the usage of the phrases like nursing home or convalescent home, which conjure negative images. Skilled nursing facility or post-acute rehab facility are now more accepted in the health care community.
There are several key players in a skilled nursing facility. A federally licensed administrator oversees the day to day operations of the facility while a director of nursing oversees the clinical team. A medical director is also responsible for making sure that quality assurance is met on the clinical level. Attending physicians are given rights to follow their patient’s care while at the facility, while specialists such as psychiatrists and podiatrists are often referred to for interdisciplinary care.
Another integral department within a skilled nursing facility is social services. The social service team ensures the well being of the residents and helps determine appropriate discharge plans. They are often the problem-solvers of the facility and are often the first-line of defense for any problems that arise.
The rehabilitation team is vital for helping patients maintain their highest level of functionality. Most facilities will offer physical, occupation and speech therapies. Some will also have certified recreational therapists available.
In most facilities, there is also an admissions or intake coordinator who helps the transition from the hospital or home to the facility. This person generally works closely with outside agencies and families to ensure criteria is met for nursing home placement and can offer tours and information regarding the building’s services.
Most of today’s skilled nursing facilities provide various levels of care, from short-term rehab to long-term care.
The stigma associated with nursing is still alive and well. In the past, many were institutional settings with wards of residents. The rumors of poor care, poor conditions and overall neglect were rampant. Many felt they were “dumped” into the facility because no one else was willing to care for them. Others simply didn’t have any one to care for them.
Beating the reputation of facilities of the past has proved to be difficult. Many of today’s elderly remember these institutions and do not want to subject themselves or their loved one to such conditions. However, it is important to note, that today’s regulations are much more stringent and although there are instances of neglect, abuse and poor care, these are the exception and not the norm.
The Department of Health conducts yearly surveys or inspections to ensure that residents are safe, cared for and living with the dignity they so much deserve. The surveyors take notice of everything from cracks in the wall to staffing levels to the number and cause of bed sores. Each state’s Department of Health can also be notified when a family or patient suspects any wrong doing on the part of the facility.
The term nursing home is actually an outdated term. Most industry professionals have tried to eliminate the usage of the phrases like nursing home or convalescent home, which conjure negative images. Skilled nursing facility or post-acute rehab facility are now more accepted in the health care community.
There are several key players in a skilled nursing facility. A federally licensed administrator oversees the day to day operations of the facility while a director of nursing oversees the clinical team. A medical director is also responsible for making sure that quality assurance is met on the clinical level. Attending physicians are given rights to follow their patient’s care while at the facility, while specialists such as psychiatrists and podiatrists are often referred to for interdisciplinary care.
Another integral department within a skilled nursing facility is social services. The social service team ensures the well being of the residents and helps determine appropriate discharge plans. They are often the problem-solvers of the facility and are often the first-line of defense for any problems that arise.
The rehabilitation team is vital for helping patients maintain their highest level of functionality. Most facilities will offer physical, occupation and speech therapies. Some will also have certified recreational therapists available.
In most facilities, there is also an admissions or intake coordinator who helps the transition from the hospital or home to the facility. This person generally works closely with outside agencies and families to ensure criteria is met for nursing home placement and can offer tours and information regarding the building’s services.
Most of today’s skilled nursing facilities provide various levels of care, from short-term rehab to long-term care.
Long Term Care
Those needing long-term care generally need 24-hour nursing supervision and assistance with most or all of their activities of daily living (ADL). For many families this is a last-resort option. In some cases, the resident has tried to remain as independent for as long as possible by utilizing care givers and in some instances by residing in an assisted living facility or personal care home. The transfer to a skilled nursing facility is usually a permanent placement and the facility becomes home.
When you have made the decision to place your loved one in a skilled nursing facility for long-term care, there are several deciding factors that you should consider when selecting a facility.
1. Home Like Environment
The best way to assess a facility is to take a personal tour. Most facilities will encourage you to tour in order to help dispel any of the preconceived notions that may be had regarding skilled nursing homes. When touring keep notice for:
How are the residents clothed? Pay close attention to how the patients are dressed. Are they still in their pajamas late in the day or are they properly dressed? Residents, unless, should be encouraged to be dressed on a daily basis.
2. Nursing Capabilities
Since many of the patients residing in long-term care settings require more intense nursing care; here are some questions to consider when deciding on a facility:
Does the facility provide 24-hour RN coverage? Even though it is federally mandated that all facilities have 24-hour LPN coverage, there are some duties that only and RN is qualified to do, such as IV administration.
3. Dining Services
Dining is not only an opportunity for patients to eat, but it is also a time for socialization and camaraderie. Some important considerations when choosing a facility include?
4. Activities:
For residents in a nursing home, planned activities are vital to the long-term care setting. They provide opportunity for socialization as well as cognitive stimulation. Some questions to consider:
When you have made the decision to place your loved one in a skilled nursing facility for long-term care, there are several deciding factors that you should consider when selecting a facility.
1. Home Like Environment
The best way to assess a facility is to take a personal tour. Most facilities will encourage you to tour in order to help dispel any of the preconceived notions that may be had regarding skilled nursing homes. When touring keep notice for:
How are the residents clothed? Pay close attention to how the patients are dressed. Are they still in their pajamas late in the day or are they properly dressed? Residents, unless, should be encouraged to be dressed on a daily basis.
- Do you notice any odors? Most facilities today are vigilant in keeping the facility odor free. There are always going to times of the day when odors are more prevalent like during morning dressing times, but otherwise they should be isolated and controlled quickly.
- Are the hallways clean and free of clutter?
- Are the rooms clean and free of clutter?
- Are the rooms decorated with personal belonging or are they barren and hospital-like?
- Does the staff address the residents respectfully?
- What types of bedrooms do they have available: private, semi-private, triples or quad occupancy?
- Are there areas for the family to gather for visits or special occasions?
2. Nursing Capabilities
Since many of the patients residing in long-term care settings require more intense nursing care; here are some questions to consider when deciding on a facility:
Does the facility provide 24-hour RN coverage? Even though it is federally mandated that all facilities have 24-hour LPN coverage, there are some duties that only and RN is qualified to do, such as IV administration.
- Are the nursing assistants certified?
- Can the nursing staff handle advanced care needs such as wound therapy?
- Can the nursing staff handle the needs of patients with dementia?
- Does the facility use contract agencies?
- Does it appear as if the nursing staff is enjoying their work and that morale is high throughout the building?
- Does each patient have individualized plans of care?
3. Dining Services
Dining is not only an opportunity for patients to eat, but it is also a time for socialization and camaraderie. Some important considerations when choosing a facility include?
- What type of dining program is offered? Some facilities offer restaurant like dining, while others serve all residents the same meal with limited opportunity for alternatives.
- Are residents encouraged to eat in the dining room?
- Are residents who are unable to feed themselves assisted by facility staff?
- Are special dietary needs able to be met?
- How is the food? Ask for a sample menu or sample meal so that you can see if you approve Keep in mind, however, many facilities will limit the amount of salt and seasonings to accommodate diet specific restrictions.
4. Activities:
For residents in a nursing home, planned activities are vital to the long-term care setting. They provide opportunity for socialization as well as cognitive stimulation. Some questions to consider:
- Are there activities my loved one would enjoy?
- Is there diversity amongst the activities?
- Are their activities that they can do in independently?
- Are there activities that will get them outside?
- Are there activities that will take them off premises?
- Do the residents participate and enjoy the planned activities?
Post-Acute/Short-Term Care
For many, the need for nursing home placement is only temporary. After surgery or a lengthy illness, many people need a place to recuperate where they can receive specialized nursing care and rehabilitation. Many skilled nursing facilities now offer short-term stay opportunities to help patients get the care they need to get back to their prior level of living. Many patients utilizing short-term rehabilitation are not “typical” nursing home patients; many are younger, are more independent and are generally in better health.
While the same criteria should be used when choosing a facility for post-acute care as for long-term care, there are some additional factors to be considered. They include:
1. Rehabilitation:
Physical, occupation and speech therapy play an integral role in the recovery after an illness or surgery. Some patients may need the services of all three disciplines, while others may only need one or two. Most patients will need occupational and physical therapy and will be required by most insurance companies to receive therapy five days per week. Some questions to consider when choosing a facility include:
2. Activities:
Be sure that there are activities that align with the needs of your loved one. Non-traditional nursing home residents may not want to participate in activities geared towards long-term residents like Bingo or bean bag toss. It is important, however for them to be able to socialize and take their mind of the fact that they are not at home.
3. Pre-Surgery Registration
If you know that surgery is in the future and are uncertain as to the reality of recuperating at home, speak with the doctor to see if a post-acute rehab stay would be a foreseeable option. Many facilities now offer the option of pre-registering for your short-term stay.
For example, if you or your loved one is scheduled for a hip replacement, and knowing that you have a flight of stairs to climb to get to the bathroom, it may be wise to consider a short-term rehab stay. You then, can tour the facilities, ask the appropriate questions, meet the appropriate staff who will be caring for you and make an informed decision on where you would like to recuperate. In addition, many facilities will allow you to do the admissions paperwork in advance, making the transition from the hospital to the facility.
When the clinical team, therapy team and social service team have decided that it’s time for discharge, plans are made to ensure the safest return to home. In some cases, referrals are made for continued therapy, home health services or non-medical
While the initial goal upon admission for many is to return to their prior level of living, reality is sometimes different. For some, their disease state, advanced age or social situation plays against them. For those individuals, discharge to the safest environment is paramount. Some may be able to go to a lesser-level of living such as a personal care home or assisted living, while others may be finding the facility has become their permanent residence.
The facilities social service department can help determine and plan of action for appropriate discharge.
While the same criteria should be used when choosing a facility for post-acute care as for long-term care, there are some additional factors to be considered. They include:
1. Rehabilitation:
Physical, occupation and speech therapy play an integral role in the recovery after an illness or surgery. Some patients may need the services of all three disciplines, while others may only need one or two. Most patients will need occupational and physical therapy and will be required by most insurance companies to receive therapy five days per week. Some questions to consider when choosing a facility include:
- Is the therapy team contract or employed by the facility?
- Does the therapy team consist of certified therapists?
- Are there any special credentials of the therapists?
- Is there any advanced techniques that the therapists use to aid in their
- Will the therapists evaluate the home environment prior to discharge?
- Will the therapists help educate caregivers on therapy techniques prior to discharge?
- Is there a track record of successful rehabilitation?
2. Activities:
Be sure that there are activities that align with the needs of your loved one. Non-traditional nursing home residents may not want to participate in activities geared towards long-term residents like Bingo or bean bag toss. It is important, however for them to be able to socialize and take their mind of the fact that they are not at home.
3. Pre-Surgery Registration
If you know that surgery is in the future and are uncertain as to the reality of recuperating at home, speak with the doctor to see if a post-acute rehab stay would be a foreseeable option. Many facilities now offer the option of pre-registering for your short-term stay.
For example, if you or your loved one is scheduled for a hip replacement, and knowing that you have a flight of stairs to climb to get to the bathroom, it may be wise to consider a short-term rehab stay. You then, can tour the facilities, ask the appropriate questions, meet the appropriate staff who will be caring for you and make an informed decision on where you would like to recuperate. In addition, many facilities will allow you to do the admissions paperwork in advance, making the transition from the hospital to the facility.
When the clinical team, therapy team and social service team have decided that it’s time for discharge, plans are made to ensure the safest return to home. In some cases, referrals are made for continued therapy, home health services or non-medical
While the initial goal upon admission for many is to return to their prior level of living, reality is sometimes different. For some, their disease state, advanced age or social situation plays against them. For those individuals, discharge to the safest environment is paramount. Some may be able to go to a lesser-level of living such as a personal care home or assisted living, while others may be finding the facility has become their permanent residence.
The facilities social service department can help determine and plan of action for appropriate discharge.
Dementia Care
With over 5 million American’s suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-like diseases, the task of caring for them often lands on the shoulders of a loved one. While for some, at-home care is all that is needed, others require 24/7 supervision for many reasons, including personal safety. Some dementia patients are not oriented to time, place or person and simply do not know how to care for themselves any more. When the task for caring for a loved one with dementia becomes to much for a family to handle, alternative placement options must be considered. Many skilled nursing facilities do offer specialized dementia units with staff trained in caring for adults with the disease. If you are looking to place your loved one in a nursing facility because of cognitive impairments, here are some questions to consider?
- Some questions to consider when looking for dementia care at a skilled nursing facility:
- Does the facility have a secured unit to prevent the resident from eloping?
- Does the facility offer other types of devices to prevent the resident from leaving the building?
- Does the facility offer programming designed specifically for residents with dementia?
- If the facility has a specific dementia unit, does it have a dedicated staff?
Respite Care
For many caregivers, the opportunity to go on vacation or take a break from caring for a loved one is very limited. Many facilities will offer to respite care for short durations to allow such a reprieve. This is a nice way to get a “taste” of what the facility has to offer without permanent placement. Unfortunately, most respite stays are not covered by insurance and will require private pay.
Payment:
Skilled nursing care is the most expensive level of care available. The national average is around $224 per day, but this varies depending on location as well as services needed.
There are several ways to help cover the cost of nursing home care:
Medicare: For some patients, Medicare A can help with the cost of nursing home placement. For those who are eligible, Medicare can help pay for up to 100 days per calendar year. However, there are several criteria which need to be met for Medicare A to pay. The patient must have a 3 midnight admission to a hospital and require skilled services (i.e.: intensive nursing services, 5-day a week therapy needs, etc.). There are opportunities for long-term patients to regenerate their Medicare A benefits if they are rehospitalized for three days. Medicare part B can also help pay for in-patient rehabilitation services for long-term residents. For more information on what Medicare covers in a nursing home, contact www.medicare.gov.
Medicaid: If a patient qualifies, Medicaid can help cover the cost of skilled nursing care. Depending on a person’s assets and income, Medicaid can be used to cover the Medicare co-pays or for their long-term care. For more information on Medicare Replacement Plans: Some insurance companies provide Medicare replacement plans, which as the name implies, replaces a person’s federal Medicare benefits. Plans such as Humana and Aetna, among countless others, provide the patients with primary insurance coverage. Each plan has differing benefits, but most offer some sort of skilled nursing coverage.
Medicare Supplemental Plans: These plans are used in addition to Medicare and will often help cover any co-pays that may incur from Medicare. Each plan is unique and benefits should be verified before assuming coverage.
Long-term Care Insurance: There are many companies providing long-term care insurance. These insurance policies may help cover nursing home care, but because each company has varying levels of coverage it is best to read the policy carefully and speak with a representative about coverage.
Private Pay: For those who do not qualify for Medicaid or do not have supplemental insurance with skilled nursing benefits, costs that are incurred in a skilled nursing facility, including co-pays, room and board, medications, specialized care and rehabilitation are billed to the individual. It is recommended to seek out the advice of an elder law attorney if there are any substantial assets including cash, stock, bonds and real estate.
The reality is most people are hesitant about choosing a skilled nursing facility for a loved one, but there are times when the option of caring for them at home or allowing them to remain independent is just not in their best interest. Skilled nursing facilities can offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of many older, and some younger adults, but the process is often overwhelming.
This information was provided by Assisted Living Today, an online resource dedicated to providing valuable information about various aspects of elderly living and elderly care.
Payment:
Skilled nursing care is the most expensive level of care available. The national average is around $224 per day, but this varies depending on location as well as services needed.
There are several ways to help cover the cost of nursing home care:
Medicare: For some patients, Medicare A can help with the cost of nursing home placement. For those who are eligible, Medicare can help pay for up to 100 days per calendar year. However, there are several criteria which need to be met for Medicare A to pay. The patient must have a 3 midnight admission to a hospital and require skilled services (i.e.: intensive nursing services, 5-day a week therapy needs, etc.). There are opportunities for long-term patients to regenerate their Medicare A benefits if they are rehospitalized for three days. Medicare part B can also help pay for in-patient rehabilitation services for long-term residents. For more information on what Medicare covers in a nursing home, contact www.medicare.gov.
Medicaid: If a patient qualifies, Medicaid can help cover the cost of skilled nursing care. Depending on a person’s assets and income, Medicaid can be used to cover the Medicare co-pays or for their long-term care. For more information on Medicare Replacement Plans: Some insurance companies provide Medicare replacement plans, which as the name implies, replaces a person’s federal Medicare benefits. Plans such as Humana and Aetna, among countless others, provide the patients with primary insurance coverage. Each plan has differing benefits, but most offer some sort of skilled nursing coverage.
Medicare Supplemental Plans: These plans are used in addition to Medicare and will often help cover any co-pays that may incur from Medicare. Each plan is unique and benefits should be verified before assuming coverage.
Long-term Care Insurance: There are many companies providing long-term care insurance. These insurance policies may help cover nursing home care, but because each company has varying levels of coverage it is best to read the policy carefully and speak with a representative about coverage.
Private Pay: For those who do not qualify for Medicaid or do not have supplemental insurance with skilled nursing benefits, costs that are incurred in a skilled nursing facility, including co-pays, room and board, medications, specialized care and rehabilitation are billed to the individual. It is recommended to seek out the advice of an elder law attorney if there are any substantial assets including cash, stock, bonds and real estate.
The reality is most people are hesitant about choosing a skilled nursing facility for a loved one, but there are times when the option of caring for them at home or allowing them to remain independent is just not in their best interest. Skilled nursing facilities can offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of many older, and some younger adults, but the process is often overwhelming.
This information was provided by Assisted Living Today, an online resource dedicated to providing valuable information about various aspects of elderly living and elderly care.
Nursing Homes and Age
An older person's likelihood of living in a nursing home increases sharply with age. While about only 1% of people in their upper 60s and 3% in their upper 70s were nursing home residents, the proportion rose to about 20% for those in their lower 90s, more than 30% for people in their upper 90s, and nearly 40% for centenarians.
While nearly all people in their 90s who lived in a nursing home had a disability (98.2%), the vast majority (80.8%) of those who did not live in a nursing home also had one or more disabilities. Difficulty doing errands alone and performing general mobilityrelated activities of walking or climbing stairs were the most common types, which indicates that many who live in households may need assistance with everyday activities.
Among the 90-and-older population, women outnumber men by a ratio of nearly 3 to 1. There were 38 men for every 100 women ages 90 to 94, with the ratio dropping to 26 for ages 95 to 99 and 24 for those 100 and older.
While nearly all people in their 90s who lived in a nursing home had a disability (98.2%), the vast majority (80.8%) of those who did not live in a nursing home also had one or more disabilities. Difficulty doing errands alone and performing general mobilityrelated activities of walking or climbing stairs were the most common types, which indicates that many who live in households may need assistance with everyday activities.
Among the 90-and-older population, women outnumber men by a ratio of nearly 3 to 1. There were 38 men for every 100 women ages 90 to 94, with the ratio dropping to 26 for ages 95 to 99 and 24 for those 100 and older.