The next essential piece of information is name of a funeral home or mortuary in event that resident expires in nursing home. It is a relief for family members during an emotional event to have some plans already in place.

During admissions process coordinator will require copies of resident’s Social Security card, Medicare card, and other insurance cards. The nursing home will use this information to verify benefits and how insurance will pay and how long insurance company will pay for services.

A copy of resident’s Living Will and a Power of Attorney is required if they have been done but are not necessary.

The Admissions Coordinator will also request financial information to help you with future financial planning for your resident.

Most states offer a Medicaid Program for individuals who meet financial eligibility and medical need criteria. Please contact your State’s Department of Human Services Income Support Division (local Medicaid office) to see if you or your loved one meets criteria for assistance. Most individuals fear that they may loose their home or all of their income and assets if they apply for assistance. There are laws and regulations in each state that provides Medicaid to protect home or homestead and to protect spouse from poverty. There are also attorney’s that specialize in Elder Law that can help you protect your income and assets and plan for transition to State Medicaid Assistance when you or your loved ones resources become exhausted.

Nursing homes generate income from providing rehabilitation services to keep financially afloat. They check to see that they will make a profit from providing patient services they need. That means that everything patient needs in way of treatments, therapy and medications must be covered by your insurance before they agree to accept a patient from a hospital.

The nursing home will also want to get an understanding of patient’s cognitive status and psycho/social-well-being to see that they are appropriate for their facility unless they have a contract with discharging hospital. Keep in mind that not all nursing homes are adapted to serve all types of patients. If you or loved one has some behavioral issues, related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or psychiatric problems they may not be accepted for admission. You may need to find a nursing home that specializes for those types of paient needs.

Understanding your insurance benefits and your needs will get you services you require for a successful rehabilitation stay.