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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Home

Nursing pushing a man in a wheelchair

For several reasons, including illness and physical limitations, many people will require long-term care at some point in their lives. When that time comes, choosing a nursing home can be an overwhelming decision, especially when it comes to planning for a family member, such as a parent.  

According to the Florida Health Care Association, there are over 691 licensed nursing homes in Florida alone. With so many options for care, it can be difficult to know where to start when researching nursing homes.  

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right nursing home, whether you are planning for yourself or a loved one.  

Cost of Care 

The cost of care in a nursing home can place an immense burden on individuals and their families. For this reason, cost is often one of the most important factors to consider when weighing your options. There are a few ways to evaluate different nursing homes, from contacting individual centers to comparing costs online.  

In Florida, the average cost of care for a private room in a nursing home is roughly $100,375 a year. This financial strain can lead some to pay out of pocket, drain their life savings, or even liquidate their assets to afford their care. Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance can all provide coverage for long-term care, but these options have certain limitations. 

Fortunately, developing a plan can help protect your assets and estate from the high costs of nursing home care. A life estate or irrevocable trust are just some examples of tools that can help shield assets from nursing homes and Medicaid. The elder law attorneys at The Mattar Firm can help you explore your choices for protecting your assets and paying for nursing home care.  

Location and Conditions 

Location and conditions are critical factors to consider when looking at various nursing homes. You may prefer a nursing home close to friends and family, so they can visit regularly. Likewise, you will likely want a center that is clean, comfortable, and suitable.  

When choosing a nursing home, take into consideration the services that are available for residents. Some nursing homes provide social activities, rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, and more. It all depends on what is most valuable to you or your loved one.  

Most nursing homes offer in-person tours. Scheduling a tour is a great way to assess the facilities and ask any questions you may have. Medicare has created a Nursing Home Checklist for evaluating the safety, care, and cleanliness of any home you visit. 

Quality and Type of Care 

Every person entering a long-term facility requires a different level of medical care. For instance, a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or another cognitive illness may require specialized attention and services. It is a good idea to check with the center to ensure they can meet and accommodate your loved one’s current needs, as well as any potential future needs.   

Planning for Long-Term Care 

Once you have chosen a nursing home, there may be other factors to consider when it comes to safeguarding assets. Having a plan in place before entering long-term care is vital for ensuring your or your loved one’s assets are protected. However, even if someone has already entered a nursing home, they can still seek the help of an attorney to develop a plan. 

Without proper protection, assets may be exposed to creditors, lawsuits, nursing homes, and Medicaid. Transferring assets to family members also has its own risks.  

An attorney can help you with legal strategies such as Medicaid planning and creating an estate trust to keep your assets safe and give you peace of mind. 

Contact The Mattar Firm 

If you have questions about nursing home options and costs or want to learn more about protecting assets, the asset protection lawyers at The Mattar Firm can help. Call 239-222-2222 today to schedule your free consultation. 

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