June 4, 2018

A new Kaiser study confirms what many people already working in the long-term care industry already know; that there are fewer long-term care residents in nursing homes but many of these patients have decreasingly successful conditions. Investigators recently determined that approximately half of the people in nursing homes across the country had a diagnosis of dementia, whereas under one-third had psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders and schizophrenia. 

Approximately two out of three residents are currently taking psychoactive medications such as sedatives, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics or anti-anxiety drugs. The total nursing hours increased to more than four per resident day in 2016 and Medicaid is the primary payer for most of these facilities.

If you are thinking about looking ahead into the future and encompassing a comprehensive plan for your estate as well as your assets and Medicaid, you will need the experience of a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer.