Carenet Inc.

When relocating a relative to an Assisted Living Facility, it is critical to do your homework. There are many obstacles in the process, and without proper guidance, a family is more than likely to neglect guarantees that are necessary to protect the individual that is entering the facility. The following are some useful tips to avoid a negative outcome in the process:

(1) Do not rely on NJ State ratings to select a facility. Visit the home and speak to residents that currently reside there. Speak to the family members of current residents to inquire as to their experience.

(2) Do not depend on physicians or attorneys for recommendations. They may have never been to the facility and are recommending from third party comments.

(3) If a hospital discharge planner recommends a facility, inquire as to whether the Social Worker has ever visited that facility.

(4) Engage a professional to assist in the process, i.e. a geriatric care manager. That person will save you money, time, & aggravation.

(5) Assisted Living facilities charge a “community fee” upon admission. This is really “an admission fee”. You receive nothing for this fee and it is non-refundable.

(6) Assisted Living facilities have fees for levels of care, usually (1) thru (4). For each level, there are additional fees. Example, the base fee may be $ 5,000 or $ 6,000, but with the highest level (4), it could easily be $ 10,000. There are also higher fees for “memory care” units for dementia patients.

(7) Facilities will inform you that they will keep your relative on Medicaid after two years Private Pay “if they have a Medicaid bed available”. Most facilities will give you no written guarantee. Be aware that you could spend mega-bucks and then be asked to leave after you run out of money.

Working with a professional advisor will ensure that your experience will be less stressful and will almost always save you money in the long run.

In times of crisis, we need to keep our sense of humor.