Long Term Care
Consultation Services

How to find temporary and long term care services at home or in a nursing home

These days, there are many ways to receive care when you have temporary or long term  care needs.  And you have the choice to spend your time where you please.  You can choose services that can come to you, whether at home, at a seniors residence or other community living setting.  Or a nursing home may fit your needs.

Individuals with mental retardation or with mental illness may not be able to enter a nursing home unless that is the level of care they need.  There are federal and state laws that protect people from admission to a nursing home that  might not provide services they need.  The local mental health or developmental disability authority will make the final recommendation on where you could receive the most suitable services.

When is a preadmission screening required?

Anyone applying to a certified nursing home or certified boarding care home must receive a preadmission screening (PAS) before being admitted to the nursing home.  This includes a person in a hospital who is discharged to a nursing home.  There is no charge for the screening.  The screening is also done by Long  Term Care Consultants who work for a human service agency.

Returning to the community if you are a nursing home resident.

There are a variety of short and long term community supports that can help you return home or to a new setting like foster care or housing with assisted living services.
If you are a resident of a nursing home, you also may want to talk with a public health nurse or social worker to discuss other care options that might allow you to move back to your home or other communiuty living setting.

Who pays for the long term care services?

You may pay for some of your services .  If you qualify, there are additional funds available that will help with costs.  Medical Assistance may help pay for your nursing home care  at a qualified facility.  And Medical Assistance or  the Alternative Care program may help pay for the care you receive in your home, or in other community living settings.  Many communities have services such as transportation, congregate dining or home delivered meals and chore services that are available to all seniors for low or no cost.   The Senior  Drug Program helps qualified people pay for prescription drugs.  Call  your county social service office for more details or schedule a visit.