Arlington, VA Nursing Home Lawyer
Any skilled Arlington, VA nursing home lawyer knows that most people know someone who is spending the end of their life living in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. In fact, for many people, it may be a plan to spend the end of their own lives in a nursing home. However, a lot of people do not know the rights they have as residents of a nursing home and are not prepared to deal with problems that may arise during their stay. Not only are most people unaware of their rights under federal and state nursing home laws, but they may not be in a position mentally, physically, or even financially to assert their rights.
If you have concerns about nursing home law violations, or are curious to learn more about what you may be able to do to prepare for your own residence in a nursing home, consider reaching out to a qualified and competent Arlington, VA nursing home lawyer to discuss your situation. In the meantime, consider the following two frequently asked questions about nursing home law:
- If I am living in a nursing home, who makes decisions about my medical care? You do. If you lack capacity to make decisions regarding your own care, however, your family will be able to make decisions on your behalf. It is important to remember that a nursing home facility is required to take your wishes into account and, in the event of your incapacity, your family’s wishes, in designing a care plan for your stay. For example, a nursing home cannot use medications, restraints, or feeding tubes to make caring for you easier unless it is a last resort. Having a plan for your end-of-life care is important. Contact a Arlington, VA nursing home lawyer or elder law attorney to find out the best way to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf in the case of your incapacity and to create a living will that will specify how you would like end-of-life decisions to be made on your behalf.
- Who pays for the cost of my stay in a nursing home? Generally speaking, you do. Medicare may partially pay for your nursing home stay, but typically Medicare payments are short term and are only awarded for stays in a skilled nursing home or rehabilitative facility, or for a short-term stay in a nursing home after hospitalization. It is also important to remember that your family is not required to assume the financial burden of your care unless that is something that you want. It is a common practice for nursing homes to request a family member to sign as a responsible party upon your admission to a nursing home. Make sure your family members know what they are signing. They may think that they are agreeing to be your emergency contact, but what they may really be assuming is financial responsibility for your nursing home payments in the event you can no longer pay. If you have questions about your nursing home contract or how you will be able to get reimbursement for your stay from Medicare, contact a Arlington, VA nursing home lawyer who will be able to answer your more detailed questions.
Prepare for your future by learning about nursing home law now. Consider calling an experienced nursing home attorney today to discuss what you may need to know to plan for your care.
If you or your loved one feels they may need to hire legal counsel to represent them in the case of nursing home abuse or violation of your rights, do not hesitate to contact Cohen & Cohen, P.C, a trusted law firm proudly serving Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. Call today to set up your free consultation with a Arlington, VA nursing home lawyer.
