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QUESTION: My mother was in a nursing home at the time of her desth tow years ago. We were pauying
$130/day. That doesn't mean anything. Costs will vary with the individual home, the type
of room you require, and with the area in the country. Obviously, you need to contact the
homes in the area you are considering and ask their costs.
More than price, you need to make a couple visits to the home to see how they conduct
their operation. Are the people clean? Does it look like the residents are getting
exercise? Does the food look good? Does the staff speak English? Talk to other visitors
to get their reaction to the nursing home.
There mey be alternatives worth exploring. If she is healthy and ambulatory, she may be
comfortable in a care facility that does not keep medical staff in the building 24/7.
This is a less expensive alternative. Also, there are private homes that care for five or
six patients. If you can find a good home it is an excellent environment.
ANSWER: A relative was recently moved to a nursing home. She was required to
pay, in advance, for a month. Less than 24 hours after checking in she
died. The nursing home told her relatives it was their "standard
practice" that in such situations they keep costs to cover 3 weeks. Her
relatives asked to see the signed contract. They were told there was
none it was just understood. They have contacted the nursing home
Ombudsman in this state who told them they will put their complaint with
those of others and they are preparing to go after the chain which owns
this home.
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