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Recent Updates:
Assisted Living Facilities
If you or a loved one are considering making the move to an assisted living facility, it is important to know the legal and financial aspects of the arrangement. The Coye Law Firm's assisted living attorneys can provide you with experienced representation in securing payments or rights when making this important decision.
Paying for Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities can be expensive. The services offered by some facilities are extensive, and money is needed to provide the proper staff and care. While retirement plans or private funds may cover some of the expense, a resident's family might need to supplement the payments or find alternatives. Many states require these institutions to disclose the full cost of care for incoming residents in order to prevent financial shock. Insurance is also available for the costs of an assisted living facility. An in-depth discussion of paying for assisted living is found here.
Medicare & Medicaid
Medicare is available for individuals and their spouses who qualify for Social Security benefits. This federal health insurance program may pay for some assisted living services, such as "skilled nursing care." The routine aspects of caring for an elderly or disabled person's daily needs may not be covered under the plan, but it can be helpful to seek small amounts of coverage if the services qualify. Here is an overview of services covered.
According to the National Senior Citizens Law Center, Medicaid may pay for the personal care services that Medicare does not. Individuals can qualify for Medicaid coverage if they have low incomes or resources. The states regulate Medicaid services, so the requirements may vary. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration lists the state's requirements here.
An additional method of financing assisted living comes from insurance policies. Individuals can purchase long term care insurance policies if they anticipate a stay in an assisted living facility or medical care in their own homes. Florida has developed a partnership between insurers and medicaid to encourage it's residents to purchase policies. To read more about the program, visit this website.
Individuals and families want to be assured that the assisted living facility they choose will provide the best care they can. To protect their residents and properties, assisted living facilities have their own insurance policies. To see what risks these facilities try to protect themselves from, consult the publications issued here by GuideOne.
New residents may need to sign documents stating that they will abide by the rules established by the facility. These rules may be developed for many reasons, one of which being insurance coverage. However, it is important to read each document before signing it. Some rights may be waived as a result and this could lead to a legal dispute. Call the family lawyers at the Coye Law Firm to resolve an assisted living facility dispute before it occurs or becomes overwhelming. Our experienced assisted living facility attorneys can help you and your family understand the legal implications of the move.
Protecting your Loved One's Rights
Government protects the rights of nursing home or assisted living facility residents through a bill of rights. These basic rights protect elderly or disabled individuals who choose to use these services. Residents have the right to:
- be evaluated and informed of their medical condition
- maintain privacy
- form and participate in resident or family councils
- file a complaint without fear of retaliation
- choose their own doctor
- access equal care
- refuse treatment
- be free from abuse and restraint
- access medical records
- be aware of nursing home staffing requirements
If your loved one has concerns about their living conditions or you have witnessed suspicious behavior, educate yourself on nursing home negligence and the solutions immediately. The Coye Law Firm can restore your own or your loved one's health and safety if other methods of abuse intervention haven't been successful. If your loved one suffers a personal injury as a result of someone else's negligence, it should be pursued by the experienced legal team at the Coye Law Firm.
Families invest a significant amount of trust and money in an assisted living facility if unable to provide necessary care for an older relative. Help reduce the difficulty of this decision by consulting an experienced assisted living lawyer at the Coye Law Firm. Our Orlando family law firm can help you sort through paperwork related to facilities, insurance policies, or payment methods. Our compassionate yet aggressive representation will fight to protect your own or your loved one's rights in the unfortunate case that they are being denied. Call today.
