What are some common issues connected with nursing home care?
Nursing home care raises many understandable emotions and concerns. Many elderly persons worry that they will be forced to go into a nursing home. Except in emergency situations, no one can be involuntarily committed to an institution unless a court authorizes the action after a hearing. At the hearing, the court must determine whether an individual is mentally ill, unable to care for himself or herself, or a danger to himself or herself or others. A person subject to a hearing has the right to be represented by an attorney. Another concern is how to finance a nursing home stay. Medicare only covers skilled nursing home care ordered by a doctor, involving daily skilled nursing activities or rehabilitation services that can only be provided in a residential setting. Medicare does not cover custodial care to assist with daily living tasks and needs if no skilled services are necessary. Medicaid may cover nursing home custodial care if income and asset requirements are met, but would-be r
