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WHAT IS A NURSING HOME (SKILLED NURSING FACILITY)?
A skilled nursing facility, or SNF, is a residential care facility that provides acute and sub-acute care to patients in need of medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. SNF's are also known as nursing homes or nursing facilities, depending on how they are funded. SNF's are different from assisted living facilities and adult family homes, which are better suited for people who want to be part of a community long-term.
WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY?
Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for clients who have complicated care needs that need to be closely monitored by a nurse or doctor, or clients who have a short-term recovery from a surgery, accident, or health episode.
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WHAT IS AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY?
Assisted living facilities are facilities in a community setting where staff assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of the adult. Housing, meals, laundry, supervision, and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Care staff is on-site 24 hours a day.
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WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY?
Assisted living communities are ideal for clients that don't have extensive care needs or cognitive decline. They are ideal for clients that enjoy social interaction and are able to do most activities of daily living with minimum to moderate assistance.
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WHAT IS AN ADULT FAMILY HOME?
Adult family homes are regular neighborhood homes where staff assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of the adult. A room, meals, laundry, supervision and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Some provide nursing care and dementia care. The home can have two to eight residents and is licensed by the state. Care staff is on-site 24 hours a day.
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WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR AN ADULT FAMILY HOME?
Adult family homes are ideal for clients who have higher care needs and/or cognitive decline. They are ideal for clients that need help with most activities of daily living and would benefit from more one-on-one care. Clients with dementia may also qualify to be in an adult family home.
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WHAT IS A MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY?
Memory care communities offer specialized care for people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. They provide 24-hour care and support, and often include activities and programs designed to help residents maintain their independence and cognitive abilities. They can be found in many different settings, including continuing care assisted living communities and nursing homes.
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WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY?
Memory care communities are ideal for clients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia who need a locked unit for their safety (they are prone to wander and/or are an elopement risk). Not all dementia clients need a locked unit.
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WHAT IS SENIOR HOME CARE (IN-HOME CARE)?
In-home care is a type of support service that allows individuals—typically seniors or those with disabilities—to receive personalized assistance while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.
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WHAT SERVICES DOES SENIOR HOME CARE (IN-HOME CARE) PROVIDE?
In-home care offers seniors and individuals with disabilities the support they need to maintain independence while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Services typically include assistance with personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, transportation and more. Services are tailored to each individuals needs.
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MY LOVED ONE HAS LIMITED FUNDS TO PAY FOR CARE; WHAT DO I DO?
If your loved one has limited funds to pay for care, there are still options available. While some care communities operate on a private-pay basis and do not accept Medicaid, others may require at least two years of private payment "spend-down" before allowing a transition to Medicaid-funded care. Navigating these financial considerations can be overwhelming, but Assured Care is here to help. We can guide you through the process and assist in finding a care solution that best fits your loved one’s needs and financial situation.
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WHAT IS A MEDICAID SPEND-DOWN?
A Medicaid spend-down is the process of using personal funds to pay for care until you qualify for Medicaid, the state-funded care program. This includes spending assets such as savings, retirement funds, property, and even a home. Care communities have different policies regarding Medicaid spend-downs—some require residents to pay privately for their entire stay, while others have a minimum private-pay period of two years before transitioning to Medicaid. Some communities offer more flexibility in their requirements. Understanding these options can be complex, but Assured Care provides guidance on what care options best fit your financial situation.
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DO I QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID?
Determining Medicaid eligibility can be complicated. In general, the state requires you to exhaust most of your personal funds before Medicaid will cover the cost of care. However, there are many rules and regulations surrounding the application process, and ensuring compliance is crucial. To navigate this process smoothly and avoid potential pitfalls, we strongly recommend consulting with an Estate Planning Attorney. Assured Care partners with experienced Estate Planning Attorneys who can help assess your financial situation, identify your needs, and develop a plan for the Medicaid spend-down. They’ll also ensure all forms are completed correctly, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.​
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WHAT SERVICES AND AMENITIES DO RETIREMENT HOMES TYPICALLY OFFER?
Retirement homes often provide 24-hour supervision, assistance with personal care, recreational activities, meal services, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication management, and access to medical care as needed.​
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WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING CARE OPTIONS FOR MY LOVED ONE?
When choosing a senior care community, it's important to consider factors like the level of care provided, staff-to-resident ratio, safety and security measures, cleanliness, meal options, social activities, resident satisfaction, financial eligibility, and licensing. Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but Assured Care is here to help.​​​