Alzheimer’s Specialized Care

May 04, 2017

By LEL founder and attorney Rick L. Law.  Rick Law and his daughter and partner Attorney Diana Law, are part of the multi-generational law firm at Law Elder Law.  Estate, Asset and Retirement Tax Attorneys serving Aurora, IL and the surrounding communities.

When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and needs care, it is important to find a nursing home with an Alzheimer’s special care unit.

Alzheimer’s sufferers have unique needs and will have a much better nursing home experience if the nursing home staff is capable of dealing with their needs. Staff in special-care units should take specialized training courses in order to be able to encourage the residents’ independence and help them realize the maximum potential of their mental and physical abilities as their dementia progresses.

These special units often come at an added price. Some states have established guidelines for these units, but there are currently no federal guidelines.

Before agreeing to pay the higher rate, you should look for the following qualities from a nursing home with a special unit:

• Does the facility confirm all incoming residents’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis?
• Is the staff aware of the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease, and how do they address the expected changes in the mental and physical abilities of the residents?
• Are all of the employees in the special unit (the housekeepers, maintenance workers, etc.) given some training regarding Alzheimer’s?
• Are the buildings and grounds designed for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease?
• Are the resident activities appropriate for people with Alzheimer’s?

It is also important for lawyers to advise clients early on in the nursing home search that this type of care is expensive. Fees average around $45,000 a year nationwide, and can be as expensive as $100,000 or more. Most insurance plans do not cover this type of long-term care and neither does Medicare.

Fortunately, Medicaid (the federally funded, state-administered medical assistance program)  is available for qualified individuals.

If your loved one has memory problems and you’re afraid of the consequences that may bring, give our office a call today at 800-310-3100.  Your first consultation is absolutely free.  We’ll let you know what steps you need to take, right now, to protect yourself and your family.  Call now.

Sincerely,

Rick L. Law, Estate, Asset and Retirement Tax Attorney

8 times named the #1 Illinois elder law estate planning attorney by Leading Lawyer Magazine, Rick has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, AARP Magazine, TheStreet.com, and numerous newspapers and articles. Rick is the lead attorney for Law Elder Law, LLP, focusing in Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Nursing Home Solutions. His goal is to give retirees an informed edge when it comes to dealing with an uncertain future.  Get flexible retirement strategies that work during good times and bad, plus information on how you can save your home and assets from being used to pay for long term care.  Call 800-310-3100 for your free consultation now!