Does deciding which long term care option may be right for you or your loved one feel like an overwhelming task? Understanding the differences between the two main options, skilled nursing home or assisted living facility, can be a great way to help decide what makes the most sense for your circumstances and goals.
A skilled nursing home can provide its residents with full-time medical care. If you or your senior loved one have significant medical needs or require assistance for all of your or his or her activities for daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, a skilled nursing home is most likely the best fit. An assisted living facility, on the other hand, may be more of a residential setting where simple medical needs can be addressed in a non-medical environment. Assisted living can be a good option for someone who is able to live somewhat independently but needs some assistance with daily activities and requires only very basic medical care or attention.
Cost can also be a significant difference. Nursing homes generally cost almost twice as much as assisted living communities. Government benefits, such as Medicaid, can be critical in covering the cost. In order to qualify for Medicaid benefits, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. When planning for your long term care, it can be important to discuss your options and goals with an elder law attorney. An experienced elder law attorney can help ensure that you put the proper plans in place so that you can obtain all of the benefits to which you are entitled and are able to afford whatever care is best for you.
For elder law legal counsel to assist you in planning for long-term care, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.
