By Amy DeLaney, Attorney at Law
The current economic crisis in our country and in our State is going to dramatically affect seniors. In Illinois, Medicaid payments to supportive living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, adult day care programs, and community care are behind by nine months. This means that any facility must maintain enough capital to cover their costs for at least nine months. What does this mean for seniors?
Here are a few projections:
- Most nursing homes and facilities servicing seniors will discriminate against Medicaid recipients by denying admission to those with limited means;
- Some facilities may be forced to close their doors because funds are not available to maintain the costs of doing business. We are likely to see bankruptcies of facilities. Any shut downs will be very disruptive to residents and their families.
- With fewer people working in this economy, more family members will be available to care for elders at home, perhaps delaying or avoiding the move to assisted living or a nursing home.
- Because money is more scarce for just about everyone, families will be more reluctant to pay for nursing home, assisted living, or nursing home care.
- With jobs less available, there should be an increase in the number of care providers.
- Many more alternatives to nursing home care will be developed, including assisted living, new home care, community partnership programs, and increased Medicaid coverage through care in the community.
Anyone providing care for a senior must do more research about possible alternatives. A qualified elder law attorney can help you and your family explore care alternatives and how to pay for them. Please call our office at 708-675-7144 for more assistance regarding Governmental Funding for Care in a Time of Recession.