The Reality of Assisted Living

The majority of us only plan for assisted living and nursing homes when the need arises: when a loved one becomes ill and the family is not able to give extended or sufficient care.

We can’t predict the future, but we can get ready for it. Just like we put aside funds for retirement, we can save up for the costs of assisted living. To get further details about making such a plan, licensed financial advisors may be very helpful. Also, we can research in advance potential facilities and consult with them to ensure that you and/or your loved one would be comfortable there. 

In 2020, we have had to make major adjustments. When hospitals saw an overflow of patients with coronavirus, every type of healthcare facility was put into overdrive. Social workers at hospitals were instructed to find nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospice centers in order to make space available for the onslaught of patients that needed the immediate and emergent care offered in a hospital. 

As a consumer, what are your choices?  Although there may be pressure from a hospital and its staff to have a family member immediately discharged, we still have the option to “shop” or make an informed decision. Hospital social workers are excellent resources for recommendations about continuing care facilities, particularly who accept your insurance. The internet is also filled with information and ratings for facilities that may be helpful in your search. 

As with any major decision, you will need to fully vet each facility. Good information to glean includes the patient to caretaker ratio, the activities offered the types of rehab available, and the expertise of the staff. You may also ask when the last Department of Health inspection occurred. This website is a good resource for your search: Health NY

Although we are still facing the chilling reality of COVID-19, we do have the opportunity to plan ahead. At the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm, we have assisted many families with the realities of COVID and diminished services rendered at nursing homes. If you or a loved one have been injured in a care facility, please contact our office for a free consultation call 212-869-3500.