Estate Planning Isn’t Just For The Elderly

Group of elderly people eating lunch around a table.

What You Need To Know About New York Nursing Home Admissions

When most adults consider retirement planning, they don’t think about the admissions process at a nursing home or rehabilitation care facility. The unfortunate truth is that the state of New York and Medicaid have very strict guidelines that must be followed during this process. Many of these steps are difficult to navigate if you haven’t organized your affairs first, which is why working with an attorney now is one of the smartest steps you can take for both your own well-being and the reduced hassle for your loved ones.

At Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, our experienced elder law attorneys work closely with clients to ensure they are prepared for the future. It is never too early or too late to begin the process of choosing a credible nursing home or determining in advance what paperwork is needed for your admission to this type of facility. As lawyers devoted to assisting clients with elder law and estate planning issues, we are here to help.

Nursing Home Admissions And Long-Term Care Planning

To understand why this step is important in long-term care planning, it is important to know a few things about the overall admissions process.

  • Prior to an admission, the hospital or medical care provider where a patient is being treated is required by the state to fill out a Patient Review Instrument (PRI). This document asks the family or other representatives to choose up to six preferred skilled nursing centers, which is why it is important to have these locations in mind ahead of time.
  • The cost of medical care at a nursing home or rehabilitation facility can be astronomical. While many assume that Medicaid will take care of the bill, there is really only up to 100 days of coverage available. Having a plan in mind for liquidating assets or tapping into other retirement savings is important.
  • Finally, having a power of attorney can help ensure that your wishes are handled accordingly and without any significant delay.

Of course, there is much more to the nursing home admissions process that you need to know well before your time comes. That’s why we always suggest that our clients meet with us early to go over the general steps and to help make plans before they are in need of this vital care.

Helping White Plains Residents Prepare for Retirement

Long-term care planning is just the start of what we do at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. If you’re concerned about organizing your estate or preparing for retirement, now is a great time to schedule a consultation meeting with our team.

Ready to learn more? Give us a call at 914-269-2367 or fill out our online form today. From our offices in White Plains and Somers, New York, we help clients throughout Westchester County and the surrounding areas.

Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP