Caregiving and Legal Issues

Q. My Mother has dementia and is no longer capable to care for herself in her own home. Where do I start?

A. Contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging to discuss long term care options and begin the process. Should it be determined that your mother requires placement in a long term care facility or a medical model daycare, the Genesee County Nursing Home can accommodate your mother's needs at a multitude of levels.

Q. I have heard people talk about power of attorney, health care proxies, living wills, and advance directives? What are these and how can I go about getting these documents executed for my elderly loved ones?

A. The Genesee County Office for the Aging has legal services available for Genesee County residents over the age of 60 to explain and prepare these documents.

Q. How does Medicaid work regarding the home and assets?

A. Contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging to arrange a legal appointment to learn the details.

Q. Is there an Alzheimer's Support Group in Genesee County?

A. Yes, you may contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.

Adult Homes

Q: What is an Adult Care Home?

A: An Adult Care Home in New York State is licensed by the Department of Health. It provides room and board, housekeeping, laundry, medication management, personal care and supervision for adults who choose not to stay alone or who can no longer safely live alone. Residents in Adult Care Homes are free to go out in the community as they are able. Generally residents must be able to walk on their own, but they may use a cane or walker. Residents who need assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, taking medications, and handling money can receive the help needed. The Genesee County Adult Home offers a "Special Needs Assisted Living Residence" which offers secure housing for healthy adults with dementia.

Q: How do Adult Care Homes differ from Nursing Homes?

A: An Adult Care Home is much less costly than a nursing home. It is designed for healthy older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living.

Q: What is provided by an Adult Care Home?

A: An Adult Care Home provides you with your own single bed, dresser, chair, wastebasket, and closet space in a semi-private room. The Genesee County Adult Home lets you bring some of your own bedroom furniture, TV set, radio, or stereo, and your easy chair; if you want. We encourage you to bring pictures and personal items to decorate your room.

Q: Is Medicaid accepted to pay for care in Adult Care Homes?

A: No, however, residents of Genesee County may receive financial assistance to live in the Genesee County Adult Care Home.

Q: If someone lives in the Adult Home, can they still come and go as they please?

A: When someone lives in the Genesee County Adult Home, they are considered a member of the community, and may come and go as they please. Residents of the 2nd floor "Special Needs" unit must be accompanied by a family memver or friend when leaving the building.

Q: Finding care for a loved one is a difficult decision. Where can I go for support?

A: The Genesee County Office for the Aging offers a Caregiver Support Group and Caregiver Counseling.

Rehabilitation Care

Q: What services are available to individuals seeking rehabilitation following an illness or surgery?

A: The Genesee County Nursing Home Rehabilitation Center offers a full range of rehabilitative services are available for patients based on an assessment of needs at the time of admission. Medical, Nursing, Social Work, Dietary and Rehabilitative staff members assess each resident's ability to return to the community, coordinate services and arrange for equipment and other needs as indicated.

Skilled Nursing Care Facilities

Q: What services are provided in skilled nursing  facilities?

A: A full range of Medical, Nursing, Social Work, Dietary and Rehabilitative services are provided along with social and recreational activities appropriate to the needs of the residents.

Q: What is the cost of skilled nursing home care?

A: Generally speaking, a skilled nursing home stay costs approximately $350 per day.

Q: Who pays for skilled nursing home care?

A: This is a very complex question, because it depends upon the person's insurance, financial status, veteran status, and medical condition. The best advice is to discuss your individual circumstances directly with the Nursing Home's Admissions Coordinator.

Q: Will Medicare pay for skilled nursing care?

A: Medicare may pay up to 100 days as long as the resident has a three (3) night hospital stay prior to admission and their care needs meet the requirements to qualify for coverage.  Medicare Managed Care HMOs have strict rules about coverage, and requires a pre-certification before admission.

Q: How can I qualify for Medicaid?

A: Typically, upon admission to a nursing home, a resident needs to spend down to a certain level before they can qualify for Medicaid, which is an insurance program that pays for long term care health benefits in a nursing home (or other settings) for those who meet the income and resource guidelines. Details on eligibility are available from Genesee County Office for the Aging or Genesee County Department of Social Services. The Genesee County Nursing Home provides professional assistance for the Medicaid application process.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging's Legal Services for the Elderly Program has legal counsel who can assess your individual situation to determine how your resources and assets would be looked at in regards to paying for skilled nursing home care.

Q: I'm told that a PRI is necessary to be considered for admission to a nursing home. What is a PRI?

A: Admission to Genesee County Nursing Home requires a Patient Review Instrument (PRI) to be completed to determine the level of care a person needs. The PRI is conducted by the hospital, when you are  preparing for discharge; or if you are in your home or other residential facility, the Genesee County Health Department, the Visiting Nurses Association of Western New York, and Westside Home Care Agency can do this. The results of the PRI are valid for 90 days.

Q: Is it necessary to have a doctor in order to be admitted to the nursing home and adult home?

A: No. The Genesee County Nursing Home can provide physician services.

Q: What should I look for when evaluating nursing homes to determine which one I will choose to provide residential care for myself or a family member?

A: The New York State Health Department regularly surveys and monitors nursing homes in New York State and provides each nursing home with a survey report identifying how they rated in the most recent State survey of their facility. Each facility should have a copy of that survey report posted for visitors to see. Also, the New York State Health Department website has review criteria and reports from New York State Survey results for individual facilities posted on their site, or consult Medicare.gov for nursing home ratings.