5 Things To Do Before Your Loved One Goes To a Nursing Home

CHICAGO, IL – Making the decision to place your loved one in a nursing home is difficult. However, there are things you can do that will make the transition a little easier. Taking care of these seven things before placing your loved one in a nursing home will save you time, money and headaches.

1. Choose the right facility.
   While this step may be overwhelming, it’s important to sit down and discuss what your parent needs out of a long-term facility. Furthermore, extensive research on what facilities offer the type of care you’re looking for will be required.
2. See if your loved one qualifies for financial benefits.
   Check to see if your loved one qualified for benefits to help pay for their care. The average cost of a nursing home in Illinois is roughly $7,000/per month. It’s important to consult an elder law attorney before giving up on the prospect of financial benefits.
3. Know exactly what you’re signing before you sign it.
   Before moving your loved one in to their nursing home, you’ll be handed a large administrative packet of information to sign. Some nursing homes have arbitration agreements written in this documents. By signing this document, you waive your right to hold the nursing home accountable in court, for any and all potential wrongdoings. Be aware of what you’re signing before you sign it.
4. Don’t bring any valuable into the facility.
   If your loved one has a sentimental item they’d like to bring to their nursing home, you may want to rethink this. Being in a communal living space, it can be easy for things to disappear or someone to steal your personal belongings.
5. Know who can make important decisions.
   Before going into a long-term living facility, you should discuss with your loved one who they would like designated as their legal “helper” for when the time comes that they can’t make a decision for themselves. Establishing a power of attorney is an important legal document that authorizes someone to represent or act on your behalf. You will need two separate power of attorney documents: one of medical decisions and one for financial decisions.

   Along with having a power of attorney, it’s important to have a Last Will & Testament in place, in addition to any other helpful estate planning documents. This may include end-of-life documents or trusts.