My husband had 2 strokes, which left him debilitated, & was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the same time. I have kept him at home almost 2 yrs. He needs help with all ADLs & is wheelchair bound. I have activated his LTC insurance to help with sitters for him when I have appts, etc. LTC will pay for SNF care when I can not manage him at home. How do I go about getting him admitted to a nursing home - from home? The social worker who visited us right after he came home told me he can only be admitted to a nursing home directly from a hospital admission. Is this accurate? I have shoulder strains & back issues, diagnosed with colitis last yr. & would prefer to keep him here but I feel that my health is suffering & worry about the safety of both of us. He is 76 yrs old in August & I am 72 this yr. Our friends & the RN from his LTC Insurance Company who visited us to assess him last Fall tell me they are amazed that I have managed him alone. I'm torn about how to handle this but I know I cannot do this much longer too. I am a retired RN.
It's certainly EASIER to get someone admitted to a NH directly from a hospitalization, because you have documentation of the fact that they are medically in need to skilled nursing care.
If you have some likely places picked out, visit them and meet with their admissions team. Find out what they need for your husband to be admitted and get his name on waiting lists in several places.
If he should be hospitalized, you then ask for him to be admitted directly upon discharge.