Emergency Placement in an Assisted Living Facility
What is emergency placement and why might it be necessary for a loved one?
Emergency placement is when an individual is placed in an assisted living facility on an immediate or urgent basis. There are many reasons why emergency placement might be necessary, including but not limited to:
•A decline in physical or mental health that requires more assistance than can be provided at home
•An injury or hospitalization that prevents the individual from returning home
•The sudden death of a caregiver
How do you know if emergency placement is the right choice for your loved one or family member?
There are many factors to consider when deciding if emergency placement is the right choice for your loved one or family member. These factors may include:
•The severity of the illness or injury
•The prognosis for recovery
•The ability of remaining caregivers to provide adequate care
•The preference of the individual needing care
What are the steps involved in emergency placement and how long will it take to complete them all?
There are four main steps involved in emergency placement: assessment, authorization, finding a facility, and admission. The assessment step is when a team of professionals (including but not limited to nurses, social workers, and doctors) will come to the home of the individual needing care and determine if he or she meets the criteria for admission into an assisted living facility. The authorization step is when insurance companies or Medicaid/Medicare are contacted to approve coverage for the stay. The finding a facility step is self-explanatory – it’s when families begin searching for an assisted living facility that meets their loved ones’ needs. And finally, admission is when all necessary paperwork is completed and the individual is admitted into the facility.
Once a loved one has been placed in an assisted living facility, what can you expect from the process?
After a loved one has been placed in an assisted living facility, it’s important to stay in communication with the staff caring for him or her. Familiarize yourself with their daily routines and schedules so that you can plan accordingly when visiting or calling. Be sure to ask lots of questions and voice any concerns you may have – remember, you are your loved one’s advocate! In terms of what to expect from the overall process, each situation is unique and therefore it’s difficult to say definitively. However, most facilities will provide families with regular updates on their loved ones’ condition and progress.
How much does emergency placement cost and who pays for it?
Costs can vary widely depending on factors such as location, type of facility, length of stay, etc. In some cases, insurance may cover all or part of the cost while other times families may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Medicare/Medicaid may also cover some costs associated with emergency placement in certain circumstances.
Final thoughts on emergency placement as an option for caregiving families
Emergency placement is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. However, if you find yourself in a situation where emergency placement is necessary, it is important to know that there are resources and people who can help you through the process. We hope that this blog post has provided some clarity on what emergency placement is and how it works so that you can make the best decision for your loved one.
