Here are some random but important things to consider for those helping elders.
Reminder: Do not sign personally as the one responsible for the cost of another person’s nursing home expenses. Only sign in your official capacity (e.g. power of attorney agent). You should not sign in your individual capacity unless it is for you and unless you want to be personally liable. Nursing home contracts may say that the sponsor or patient is responsible for nursing home payments – this violates Federal law, but it is still happening.
Reminder: If a person is receiving up to 100 days of Medicare benefits while in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare has been known to stop benefits during the 100 day period when a person “plateaus” in their medical improvement. Note that the standard is whether the treatment is needed to prevent further deterioration or preserve current capabilities (e.g. to maintain functions). As such, in some cases, Medicare benefits should continue to run during the 100 day period and not stop prematurely. Be an advocate!
