How does someone who is completely bedridden get into a skilled care facility when they have little money?

He needs to get approved for LTC Medicaid. As Geaton said, his Dr. needs to assess and recommend nursing home care, and then his POA or family member needs to apply for LTC Medicaid with the state. Then, you need to call nursing homes to see if they have an open bed. The other way one gets into a nursing home is if he is in a dangerous situation at home (nobody to take care of him, or inadequate care), or caregiver has had enough and can't do it anymore, and APS steps in and finds placement for him.

Ask this person's doctor if they are a candidate for LTC. In most states, Medicaid will pay for LTC (plus qualifying financially). Only a doctor can assess the need for LTC. Please note that being in a facility on Medicaid usually means a shared room.

Skilled nursing beds are for patients with skilled nursing needs. They general begin as hospitalized, but when no longer acute enough for hospitalization the social workers arrange skilled nursing for such needs as wound care that is ongoing, and etc. Patient who are bedridden but who may be rehabilitated to improved mobility through PT are generally moved to Rehabilitation. Medicare pays for these needs and social workers can help you work out the circumstances of payment through medicare. Coverage goes according to needs, according to probabilities the patient can/will improve, and over what amount of time.

Then it goes to discharge planning for long term care. If the patient no longer has needs of SNF or Rehab bed because they have progressed as far as they are able to with help, but who are not safe at home may require nursing home placement. Then, if there are no funds, the person may need application to Medicaid. If accepted their SS checks go to the NH, and they spend down their own money according to state dictates.

Your questions will be best answered by the social services involved with your senior. Wishing you good luck.

Usually They end up in the ER and the Doctor will suggest rehab and send them Off to a SNF and medicare will Pick up the cost for so many days .