|
Tip Sheets
Your first day in a Nursing Home: Common questions and answers
Will I need to pay for anything on the day I move in?
Most nursing homes bill for services at the beginning of the month, so the home may ask you to pay for the first month upon admission.
Check your admission contract. The nursing home should clearly state in this contract that they will reimburse you for any differences in cost due to case-mix changes or early discharge.
If this is a short-term stay and you are eligible for Medicare or other insurance coverage, the nursing home will bill the appropriate parties and you shouldn't have to pay anything until you receive a bill.
If you have applied for Medical Assistance, you do not have to pay in advance for your care. The nursing home will bill Medical Assistance when your application is approved.
When you move in, the nursing home is required to inform you of how to apply for and use Medicare and Medical Assistance (MA). If you think you are near the MA eligibility limits, contact your county human services (LINK to list) to apply. The county can help you determine how much money you need to pay towards your medical bills.
Both Federal and State laws place limits on admission fees. Minnesota law limits fees to $100 or less. If you are asked to pay a fee or deposit in excess of $100, contact
your local ombudsman for assistance.
How will the nursing home know the best way to care for me?
The nursing home is required to do a careful assessment of your needs and wishes.
What usually happens on your first day is the nursing and social service staff sits down with you to ask a few questions. They will probably ask about your medical history, your daily routines and your preferences.
You have the right to choose what to tell them about yourself.
This assessment is intended to help the staff tailor your care to meet your needs and will be updated every three months during your stay.
How will they help me adjust to the nursing home?
The staff should show you your room and help you move your belongings in. They will introduce you to your roommate (if you have one), and show you where to find what you need.
Some nursing homes have a "Resident's Handbook" that can inform you of policies and routines within the home. Some homes also have resident or family volunteers who spend time with newly admitted residents to help ease the adjustment.
Can I be admitted to a nursing home against my will?
Usually, no. There are cases where a judge decides that nursing home placement is necessary for the safety or well being of an individual and issues a temporary commitment order to a nursing home. In some cases, an individual's court-appointed guardian or conservator places them in a home. In either case, you always have the right to follow or refuse any recommendation. No one can be admitted to a nursing home without a doctor's order. If your doctor ordered placement for you and you disagree, you have the right to discuss and pursue alternatives.
If you are being told to move to a nursing home against your will, contact your local ombudsman for assistance.
Understanding Admission Day Paperwork
| What You May Be Asked to Sign | What You Need to Know |
| A copy of the Nursing Home Residents Bill of Rights | Your signature confirms that you read and understand your rights as a resident. You will be given a copy for your records; and, any time your rights are involved in your treatment the facility should remind you of them.
| | The nursing home's admission agreement/contract | This is a legal contract and the resident's signature is required. Before signing, take as much time as you need to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
| | Resuscitation or other life support wishes | You may be asked whether you want CPR or other life support should you need them. The facility may also ask if you have a written Advance Directive. You are not required to have these documents or make these decisions upon admission; and, someone else cannot simply decide for you. Your decision can be changed as often as you wish. Until you inform them otherwise, the home will follow standard nursing procedures.
| | A request for the nursing home to handle your personal fund account | You have the right to manage your own funds. If you prefer the home to keep an account for you, your signature is needed. You may wish to clarify when the home can withdraw your money and spend it on your behalf. They shouldn't do so without your authorization, and must keep clear records of any transactions.
| | A record of your personal belongings | The staff will make a list of your clothing and other personal property. Your signature means you agree to its accuracy. The nursing home cannot require you to keep valuables out of the facility, nor to sign a waiver of liability for your personal property.
|
You have the right to be fully informed. While it's important to the nursing home that you sign all the papers, it's equally important that you take the time you need to read and understand them. Perhaps you need more information, or would like to discuss them with your family, attorney, or ombudsman before signing. To contact your local ombudsman, call 1-800-657-3591.
|
