Hi, I’m Kaye DeSelms Dent with Dent Coulson Elder Law here with an elder law minute for you. These videos are intended to educate you about the elder care journey which begins earlier in life than you might think. We hope that you find them useful and if you have further questions, please call us at Dent Coulson Elder Law.
Video Transcript:
Understanding the Elder Care Journey
Hi, I’m Kaye Deselms Dent with Dent Coulson Elder Law here with an elder law minute for you. These videos are intended to educate you about the elder care journey which begins earlier in life than you might think. We hope that you find them useful and if you have further questions, please call us at Dent Coulson Elderlaw.
Why Nursing Home Contract Review Is Critical
Today, I’d like to explain to you why it’s very important to review very carefully a nursing home contract. That would be for assisted living, for skilled nursing care, for supported living. If you or a loved one you are responsible for is entering care, these contracts are legally binding and they can subject you or a loved one who’s responsible for you to very serious legal consequences if you don’t advocate for yourself very carefully.
How Dent Coulson Elder Law Helps Families
At Dent Coulson Elder Law, we are happy to assist clients by reviewing these contracts and advising clients on changes which should be made to the contracts and provisions to which they should not agree.
Common Pitfalls in Nursing Home Contracts
Arbitration Agreements
One of the big pitfalls we see for people are arbitration agreements, which in some contracts are not permitted in Illinois.
Financial Responsibility Traps for Family Members
Also, family members who are admitting a loved one to care are often asked to sign to be financially responsible when legally they’re not otherwise.
It’s very common for people to say, “Oh, this looks like this says that I have to pay the bill if they can’t.” And it’s very common for people to be told, “No, no, that’s not what that means.”
It’s exactly what it means.
Why You Should Take Your Time Before Signing
So read these contracts very carefully, and by all means you have the right to take the time and say we’re going to review this and ask a lawyer to review the contract for you, specifically an elder law attorney who is used to reviewing these contracts and can advise you on what changes you should be requesting, if not demanding, and what parts of the contract might be advisable not to sign at all.
We Are Here to Help
Dent Coulson Elder Law is here to help you with nursing home and other living situation contract reviews. Call us today.
If you have any questions, give us a call at Dent Coulson Elder Law. Thank you.
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older.
Learn More about legal guardianship from the American Bar Association
Also looking for information about Medicaid and Asset Preservation? Visit these articles:
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (618) 632-7000 (IL) or (314) 567-9292 (MO), or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.