Questions Every Family Has

When a loved one needs to move to a nursing home or rehab facility, it can feel like everything is happening too fast. Doctors are talking. Papers need to be signed. And you are trying to make a big decision while feeling scared and tired.

Those feelings are normal. Every family goes through this. And every family has the same questions. Here are the ones we hear the most.

A typical stay in a skilled nursing rehab facility lasts between 2 to 6 weeks for patients recovering from a hospital stay, such as a hip replacement or stroke. The exact length of stay depends on the patient's physical progress, medical stability, and insurance coverage.

If they need long-term care because they can no longer live safely on their own, the stay may be much longer, sometimes months or years.

The care team will give you a better idea once they see how your loved one is doing.

Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility (SNF) care, provided the patient had a qualifying prior hospital stay of at least three inpatient days. Medicare pays 100% of costs for the first 20 days, and patients pay a daily coinsurance for days 21-100.

After that, or if they don't qualify for Medicare coverage, Medicaid may help, but only if their income and savings are low enough. Private insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, works differently for each plan.

This is the question we hear more than any other. Ask the social worker to explain what applies to your family. This is part of their job and they are glad to help.

We have a full guide on what happens when Medicare coverage ends: read "When Medicare Stops: What Comes Next?" in this library.

Families have the legal right to visit Medicare-certified nursing homes at any time. While most facilities maintain recommended visiting hours for patient rest and safety, they must accommodate flexible visits, especially for newly arriving residents.

You can also bring familiar things from home: a favorite blanket, photos, or a small radio: to help your loved one feel more comfortable.

Ask the facility about their visiting rules when you first call or tour.

Most skilled nursing facility residents cannot keep their primary care doctor during their stay. Medicare-certified facilities typically rely on their own on-staff Medical Directors or attending physicians to oversee day-to-day resident care due to the need for frequent rounds.

That said, their regular doctor's records, history, and instructions travel with them. The facility's doctor will review all of that. Your loved one can return to their regular doctor once they go home.

When packing for a skilled nursing facility or rehab stay, bring 7 to 10 days of comfortable clothing, essential toiletries, and mobility aids. Do not bring large amounts of cash, valuables, or your own prescription medications.

Here is a quick packing checklist:

• Clothing: Loose-fitting pants, comfortable shirts, and non-slip socks or slippers.
• Personal Care: Toiletries, glasses, hearing aids, and dentures.
• Comfort Items: Photos, a favorite blanket, or small familiar objects.

Label everything with their name. We have a full packing guide: read "What to Bring: and What to Leave Home" in this library.

If a patient is mentally competent, they have the legal right to refuse admission to a skilled nursing facility or nursing home. However, if they have dementia or lack decision-making capacity, a legally appointed healthcare proxy or power of attorney can make the placement decision on their behalf.

If they have dementia or a condition that affects their judgment, the situation is more complicated.

We have a full guide on this: read "What if They Don't Want to Go?" in this library.

Patients and families have the right to transfer to a different nursing home if they are unsatisfied with the care, provided another facility has an available bed and can meet the patient's medical needs. You also have the right to file formal grievances with the facility's social worker or patient advocate.

You are not stuck. Keep asking questions.