My mother became a resident in a nursing home a little over a month ago. She has short-term memory issues, some difficulty walking, and some difficulty getting to the bathroom on time because of a "weak bladder". When we received the current charges, we found there was a $15 charge for "incontinence care", and over the course of the month it added up to $330. It seems that for the $7620 a month basic charge, this kind of care should be included. I thought that considering that this is one of the reasons a person may end up in a nursing care, it would simply be included. When my father saw the bill, he said it was a "rip-off" and I feel it is insult added to injury. What experience do others have?
In addition, a resident is expected to ask for help to get to the bathroom, as they do not like it when my mother simply goes on her own. If she has to wait for someone to help her, this increases the chances of an "accident" and to me it just seems the nursing home profits from it.
Thanks, Bob
facilities are usually not paid for by medicare. so your $7600 or so may be for room and board and nothing else. Which also means they can charge for 'incontinence products' , medication, laundry etc that and anything insurance cannot. Be sure to read your contract it should have been outlined there. I used to pay for my moms only because she didn't like what the facility had to offer not because I had too. because I wanted to. Again check your addmission paperwork as you should have received a list of whats included and what you could be charged for. It is mandortory here if CALIF.
includes room and board. We are expected to pay $8-10 a day for
incontinence supplies! Geezz, it seems that nursing homes most certainly
have the upper hand in everything. You either agree or they won't accept
your parent.
as I thought they would. I once discussed an issue with the Social Worker Mgr. and she finally told me that Nursing Homes don't provide one on one service and if we want my Mom to have more thorough care I can hire a private nurse or CNA.
My mother can not walk anymore and needs full assistance to be moved to and from her bed and to be changed. I feel sorry for the elderly because they are at the mercy of the $9 an hour employees and many don't have as much empathy and desire to go above and beyond, plus most nursing homes are severally understaffed.