View All Options Blogs | Tips and Resources for Navigating Nursing Homes

Cost & Payments

What Financial Assets Count When Applying for MassHealth in Massachusetts?

This post will explain what assets do count, and how the rules work for single and married applicants.

Legal

Protecting the House: MassHealth Home Equity Limits Made Easy

When someone applies for MassHealth long-term care coverage, one of the first questions that comes up is: "What happens to my house?" Well, it depends on your situation. Let’s break it down in simple terms so it’s easy to understand—no legal jargon, just real talk.

Cost & Payments

A Simple Guide to understanding MassHealth's Patient Paid Amount (PPA) and Spousal Allowance

When someone needs long-term care in a nursing home, figuring out how much they have to pay — and how much help their spouse can get — can be really confusing. But don’t worry! We’re going to break it all down in a way that’s super easy to understand.

Legal

MassHealth Citizenship Rules: What You Need to Know

MassHealth needs to know that you’re either a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to live in the United States. This rule helps them make sure the benefits go to people who are eligible.

Cost & Payments

What Kind of Trust Can Help Protect Your Money from MassHealth?

Many people try to protect their money ahead of time, and one way to do that is by using a trust. But not all trusts are created equal — and not all of them protect your money from MassHealth.

Cost & Payments

Can Life Insurance Be Protected When Applying for MassHealth?

In Massachusetts, when applying for MassHealth (Medicaid), only one life insurance policy is allowed to be exempt (not counted against the $2,000 asset limit) — but only if the face value is $1,500 or less

Cost & Payments

How to Spend Down Money the Right Way When Applying for MassHealth (So You Don’t Get Denied)

MassHealth lets you “clean out” extra money, but only if you spend it on approved things.

Cost & Payments

Gifts, Transfers & Trouble: Understanding MassHealth’s 5-Year Look-Back

MassHealth helps pay for long-term care, but before they say “yes,” they check the applicants money transfers from the past five years. Why? To make sure the person didn’t give away money or assets just to qualify for help

Family & Caregiver Advice

Beyond Exhaustion: Understanding and Overcoming Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout affects your health & the quality of care you provide. Learn its symptoms, causes, and solutions to manage burnout effectively.

Legal

Can Nursing Home Residents Be Kicked Out?

This blog will break down the legal framework surrounding nursing home evictions, outline situations where residents may face discharge, and explain the protections in place to ensure their rights are upheld.

Family & Caregiver Advice

How to Handle a Parent Who Refuses to Move Into a Nursing Home

This blog will guide you through the factors to consider, why elderly parents may resist nursing homes, and how to approach this delicate conversation in a way that fosters trust, empathy, and collaboration.

Family & Caregiver Advice

Can You Leave a Nursing Home?

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to take your loved one out, how Medicaid or Medicare policies apply, or how to plan such an outing, this guide simplifies everything you need to know.

Cost & Payments

Paying for Hospice in a Nursing Home: Your Options, Explained

This guide will walk you through who pays for hospice care in a nursing home, the available public- and private-pay options, and what steps to take to ease the financial burden during such a sensitive time.

Legal

Navigating Nursing Home Discharges

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the reasons for discharges, what happens if they are involuntary, the importance of proper notice, and how to ensure a smooth transition if you’re voluntarily moving a loved one from a nursing home.

Family & Caregiver Advice

Understanding The Basics of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

This blog explains the importance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) in assessing a person’s ability to live independently as they age.

Family & Caregiver Advice

When Is It Time for a Nursing Home?

More than half of adult children in America have helped their parents with housework, errands and home repairs. According to the Pew Research Center, about 52% of those with parents age 65 to 74, and 64% with parents 75 and older lend a hand because their parents need help. Caregiving can be a demanding task, and there comes a point where a nursing home might be a more suitable option to ensure the continued well-being and safety of your loved one.

Legal

The Role of a Nursing Home Ombudsman in Resident Advocacy

In this blog post, we will unpack the responsibilities of a Nursing Home Ombudsman, explore the impact they have on long-term care advocacy, and provide insights to help you better understand how these dedicated individuals can assist you or your loved ones.

Legal

Understanding Nursing Home Resident Rights

In this guide, we'll explore the various rights nursing home residents are entitled to and the measures in place to protect them. Whether you're a family member, a resident, or an advocate, this information will help you stand up for what's right and make informed decisions.

Family & Caregiver Advice

How to Understand and Manage Dementia Symptoms

Understand the symptoms of Dementia to help with early detection, intervention, and compassionate caregiving.

Legal

Guardianship vs Conservatorship

Navigating the legal needs of a loved one in a nursing home can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to guardianship and conservatorship. Though often confused, these legal arrangements serve different purposes. Guardianship handles healthcare and personal decisions, while conservatorship manages financial matters. This blog outlines when each may be necessary in Massachusetts nursing homes to ensure the proper care and financial management of residents.

Legal

Resolving Conflicts Between Health Care Proxy and Financial Power of Attorney

When your parent can no longer make important decisions, its essential to have legal documents in place to ensure their wishes are respected. This blog explains the difference between a health care proxy and a power of attorney, how to choose the right people for these roles, and tips for avoiding conflicts

Legal

How to Set Up a Power of Attorney, And Why It’s So Important

Setting up a Power of Attorney for your elderly parent is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their affairs are managed according to their wishes.

Legal

Why a Healthcare Proxy Is Crucial for Long-Term Planning

Planning for the future is never easy, but one of the most critical steps you can take for yourself or a loved one is setting up a healthcare proxy. This legal document ensures that someone you trust will make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.

Touring & Moving

Understanding the Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System

Nursing homes earn stars from one star to five stars based on how they perform in three main areas Health Inspections, Staffing, and Quality Measures.

Cost & Payments

Nursing Home Costs and How to Pay: Your Options Explained

Paying for a nursing home can be daunting when you don’t know where to begin. This blog discusses the many different ways to pay for nursing home care.

Care Options

Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living: Which is the Best Option for Your Loved One

Choosing the right care for your aging loved one can be challenging. Our guide compares assisted living and nursing homes, highlighting key differences in care levels, services, and costs. Discover which option best suits your loved one's needs and ensures their well being.

Touring & Moving

Moving Into a Nursing Home: A Packing List for New Residents

To assist with this transition, we have developed a detailed packing list and moving guide tailored for seniors and their caregivers entering a nursing home.

Cost & Payments

Navigating Medicaid Coverage in Massachusetts for Those Who Require Nursing Home Care

Learn how to navigate Medicaid coverage for nursing home care in MA. Discover eligibility criteria for MassHealth and start your application today!

Care Options

Navigating Nursing Home Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Informed Decision Making

Selecting a nursing home is a significant decision, requiring careful consideration of several key factors. Whether you're planning ahead or facing an unexpected circumstance, we're here to provide you with the crucial information needed to make informed decisions about nursing home care.

Care Options

Making an Informed Nursing Home Choice Without Visiting in Person

Discover how to find a nursing home for a loved one remotely and effortlessly. Get expert guidance and make the best choice for their care today!

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Explore Essential Tips and Resources for Navigating Aging

What Financial Assets Count When Applying for MassHealth in Massachusetts?

Protecting the House: MassHealth Home Equity Limits Made Easy

A Simple Guide to understanding MassHealth's Patient Paid Amount (PPA) and Spousal Allowance

MassHealth Citizenship Rules: What You Need to Know

What Kind of Trust Can Help Protect Your Money from MassHealth?

Can Life Insurance Be Protected When Applying for MassHealth?

How to Spend Down Money the Right Way When Applying for MassHealth (So You Don’t Get Denied)

Gifts, Transfers & Trouble: Understanding MassHealth’s 5-Year Look-Back

Beyond Exhaustion: Understanding and Overcoming Caregiver Burnout

Can Nursing Home Residents Be Kicked Out?

How to Handle a Parent Who Refuses to Move Into a Nursing Home

Can You Leave a Nursing Home?

Paying for Hospice in a Nursing Home: Your Options, Explained

Navigating Nursing Home Discharges

Understanding The Basics of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

When Is It Time for a Nursing Home?

The Role of a Nursing Home Ombudsman in Resident Advocacy

Understanding Nursing Home Resident Rights

How to Understand and Manage Dementia Symptoms

Guardianship vs Conservatorship

Resolving Conflicts Between Health Care Proxy and Financial Power of Attorney

How to Set Up a Power of Attorney, And Why It’s So Important

Why a Healthcare Proxy Is Crucial for Long-Term Planning

Understanding the Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System

Nursing Home Costs and How to Pay: Your Options Explained

Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living: Which is the Best Option for Your Loved One

Moving Into a Nursing Home: A Packing List for New Residents

Navigating Medicaid Coverage in Massachusetts for Those Who Require Nursing Home Care

Navigating Nursing Home Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Informed Decision Making

Making an Informed Nursing Home Choice Without Visiting in Person