Nursing Home Transition: Tips and Why You Should Plan

We often discuss nursing home life, but rarely touch on the topic of transitioning out of a nursing home. For some, this is a possibility, and should be considered if you want to age at home. Nursing homes can be temporary rehabilitation facilities, but there are somethings you need to know before you transition out of the nursing home and into a home care aid living situation. To help you make this transition and know more about your care options, we’d like to draw your attention to some tips from Consumer Voice and a few reasons why you should plan. 

Why You Should Plan for a Nursing Home Transition

As we age, changes to our living situation can become more and more stress inducing. The unknowns of going from home to a nursing facility and then a nursing facility back home can be overwhelming. It can also take a toll on your health. So having a plan is important. Not only will it answer questions, but it will allow you to have a reference for next steps, what to expect, and who to contact if there are issues. Consumer Voice encourages having a plan for these transitions so the process runs smoothly and caregivers and patients alike can minimize the stress and troubleshoot issues well before any problems arise.

8 Tips for Nursing Home Transition

  1. Establish a support system (examples: nursing home staff, family member, friend, ombudsman, transition coordinator). 
  2. Develop a realistic budget plan.
  3. Shop around for housing. Don’t settle for the first available housing option if you are not comfortable with it. 
  4. Apply for local transportation services as soon as possible. Commonly known as “paratransit,” each state is required to provide transportation services to people with disabilities. 
  5. Apply for food stamps and/or food delivery, such as Meals on Wheels.
  6. Locate a primary care doctor and set up your medications so they are delivered to your door. 
  7. Train your personal care staff and self-direct your care needs. 
  8. Collect and organize your important documents: birth certificate, Social Security card, state identification card, Medicaid and Medicare cards. 

Additionally, know that you should not do this alone. If you are planning for your own transfer, ask for help with these tasks. Whether it’s a family member, power of attorney, or a volunteer who can help you, don’t be afraid to reach out for help organizing and preparing.

Read the full list of tips and get the checklist here.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, call Gharibian Law (877-875-1119) today for a free consultation and the best legal representation.