Rehab
Sometimes after a hospitalization the discharge planner my recommend a senior go for skilled rehab before going home. This is usually in a nursing home but many of them have seperate areas for people in rehab. The often have seperate entrances, dining areas, lounge and therapy as well as cable and phones because seniors are sometimes reluctant to go to a nursing home. They often have the vision of nursing homes years ago. zNursing homes have come a long way with regulations and how they look today. A rehab stay is covered for up to 100 days through tradition Medicare. The first 20 days are paid at 100% and the remaining 80 days have a co-pay that is usually paid by a Medicare Supplement policy. You should make sure this is a benefit when choosing a supplemental policy or advantage plan. The facility will need you to sign admission paperwork and will need their insurance and Medicare card as well as their power of attorney and healthcare representative papers. You will also be asked to sign an end of life wishes form. Don't be alarmed it doesn't mean that they are doomed it's just stating in case something happens what their wishes are. See more under Legal Preparation.
If they refuse to go to a rehab facility or when they have completed their stay they are then eligible for home healthcare if they still need skilled therapy or nursing care. The facility, either rehab or hospital will be able to tell you this. Home healthcare can only come intermittently and for a short period of time so this is not really a safety net for someone who should not be left alone.
There needs to be a 60 day gap between hospital visits to begin using your benefits again. You also have up to 30 days after a three day hospital stay to decide to go to a rehab facility.
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