Finding a nursing home to meet your budget can be a difficult process. However, it’s vital to ensure that the facility you choose is one that can meet your care needs, while also being affordable. Whether you or a loved one are in need of long-term care, here are some tips to help you find a nursing home that fits within your budget.
Research Your Options
According to data from the Payroll-Based Journal, nearly three in four nursing homes did not meet the expected registered nurse staffing levels recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2017 and 2018. Low staffing levels are just one factor to consider when researching nursing homes. You’ll also want to look for facilities that offer activities, recreational options, and other amenities that fit your needs. Research nursing homes in your area and compare their services, pricing, and quality ratings.
To make your research easier, consider using an online database such as the Medicare Nursing Home Compare tool to access information on quality ratings, staffing levels, and other data points.
Consider Veterans Benefits
For those who are eligible, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several benefits for veterans and their spouses who require long-term care. The VA operates several nursing home facilities nationwide and provides financial assistance in the form of pension aid payments to cover some or all of a veteran’s nursing home costs. Eligibility requirements vary based on service history, disability rating, and income.
Compare Prices
Comparing prices for your budget is an important step in the process. Nursing homes can widely differ in costs, sometimes even for facilities that are fairly close to each other. Make sure to get quotes from several different nursing homes before making a decision.
Most nursing homes also have different payment plans and discounts available, so be sure to ask about any possible discounts or incentives you qualify for. For example, some nursing homes offer discounted rates for residents who need less care than other residents.
Check for Payment Assistance
You may be able to receive financial assistance from your state or local government, insurance companies, or other organizations to help pay for nursing home care. Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance are some of the most common options for payment. In addition, you might be able to receive Medicaid benefits even if you don’t meet the poverty guidelines. With one in nine men diagnosed with prostate cancer and some of those cases being terminal, you might want to check for any help that’s available when looking for long-term care.
Visit the Facility
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to visit the potential nursing homes and get a feel for the atmosphere. Speak with administrators and staff members to learn more about their policies and the quality of care they provide. Ask questions about staff qualifications, medical services, and other aspects of resident care.
Finally, put yourself in the shoes of your loved one. For instance, 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. If your loved one were to need dental care, how easy would it be to access that care? If the answer is not very easy, you may want to look at other options.
Check Out the Quality Ratings
Reviews, ratings, and feedback from other families are important indicators of quality. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide a star rating system to help you easily compare facilities based on their overall performance. When looking at the ratings, make sure to pay attention to the staffing level scores as well as any complaints or citations that have been lodged against the home.
By taking your time and researching all of your options, you can find a nursing home that fits both your needs and your budget. Knowing what services each facility provides and how much they cost will help ensure that you find the right place for yourself or a loved one. Ultimately, finding an affordable yet quality nursing home is possible with some diligent research and patience. If you need help finding a nursing home that fits your budget, call us today!
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