As an elder law attorney serving Chester County, I often have to assist clients plan their discharge from the hospital and help them to consider what occurs after rehabilitation. Many times, the rehab is effective, and the client can transition back home with some support. However, sometimes the medical, physical, or cognitive requirements compel a long-term stay at a nursing home. And often, there is confusion since some facilities will tell a family that they “do not have any long-term care beds available.” That is rarely the case.
There are a few nursing homes that are only licensed for rehabilitation (often part of Continuing Care Retirement Communities who maintain most of their beds for the residents who have paid to be a member of that community). Most nursing homes are, in fact, licensed for both rehabilitation and long-term care (and can receive Medical Assistance).
For those nursing homes, their beds are licensed to house patients for rehab or long-term care residents. So if the rehab patient is clinically appropriate for long-term care in a nursing home, any bed in the facility can accommodate them. Nursing homes can discharge a patient, but only under a few circumstances, and those are contained in this excellent piece by The Consumer Voice.
For more information on elder care or estate planning in Chester County, contact Slutsky Elder Law today.