My Parents Need Senior Care - Now What Do I Do?
You did it! You've chosen a senior living community or at least narrowed down your list. So what are the next steps for senior care? Below we'll look at the move-in process for California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE). We'll also take a look at some common financial options for senior care.
The Physician’s Report:
The first step for moving into any RCFE is to have a completed Physician's Report or "602." A Primary
Care Physician (or Medical Director, if residing in Skilled Nursing/Rehab facility) must complete this form. This form gives important information on each resident’s health and care needs. It’s crucial that this form to be completely filled out. It also must include the physician’s printed name, address, and signature.
Some medical groups require you submit this form to Medical Records for completion. Depending on the organization, they may take between 7-30 days to complete it. This form is also used in conjunction with an assessment by the community. This enables the community to determine care needs and care costs
Medication:
All incoming residents must have signed medication orders on file. This is regardless of whether or not they will manage their medication. If a resident does wish to self-manage, they need written documentation from their physician indicating they are able to do so. The senior community may do their own evaluation as well.
If the community manages medication, they need written orders indicating dosage and frequency of all prescription and non-prescription medication as well as all vitamins and supplements. If the resident requires injections or medication with vital sign parameter (such as blood sugar or blood pressure), the resident must be able to either self-administer and/or check vital signs themselves or have a licensed nurse do so. Please check with your community, as policies vary.
Financing:
When it comes to financial planning there are many options available to help pay for Assisted Living care. This includes VA benefits, long-term care insurance, life insurance and specialty financial products.
Long-Term Care insurance aids in paying for ongoing care needs. This is able for seniors at home, in assisted living, or a similar senior care communities. Long-Term Care insurance policies can vary in costs, benefits and rules and restrictions. Most have annual and lifetime limits. Some life insurance policies can convert either in part or in whole to cover long-term care through an Advanced Death Benefit. These benefits may be in the form of monthly payouts or one lump sum. These benefits may reduce or cut any amounts paid to your family after death.
Veteran Benefits:
If you or a loved one is a wartime veteran, they may qualify for the VA’s Aid & Attendance Benefits. Benefit amounts vary ranging from about $1,000 - $2,000. Amount depends on whether the benefit is going to a Veteran, a couple or a surviving spouse. Determining eligibility considers many factors, including care needs, financial assets, and medical expenses. To show there is a need, applicants generally need to already be receiving care when applying. The application process can take 6-12 months. Once approved, payments are retroactive to the date of application. Please contact a VA accredited attorney or claims agent for more information.
If you are selling a home or applying for VA benefits to pay for long-term care, your lender or a 3rd party may offer a “Bridge Loan”. This loan helps cover costs until those funds become available. These loans generally have higher fees than more traditional loans, but also allow either interest-only or very low monthly payments and are then paid off in full once the home sells or VA benefits are approved. Every case is different. Please consult a qualified attorney or financial planner for more information on your situation.
