How to Get Admitted To A Nursing Home

There are three primary ways to get admitted to a Nursing Home:

From the Hospital

The discharge planner or Social Service Department is the usual liaison between the hospital and the nursing facility. The needs of the patient are considered by the discharge planner who will meet with the patient and/or the family in order to discuss continuing care options. The Social Service Department is available to assist in implementing placement procedures. However, while the patient is in the hospital, see my article on Choosing and Finding a Nursing Home to be a truly informed consumer. You do have choices!

From Home

After using our Nursing Home Directory and narrowing your results, call the admissions coordinators of the nursing homes you have selected. They are very helpful and will address your individual circumstance. The facility will guide you regarding the admission requirements. You can also get help from the community social worker and other professionals who specialize in the placement of prospective nursing facility residents.

From Another Facility

When you plan a transfer from one facility to another because of changing care needs, dissatisfaction, or location concerns, and have narrowed your search for the new location using our Nursing Home Directory, utilize the resources provided by the admissions coordinator at your facility. Inform the social worker/discharge planner about your plans to transfer if it is not the same person.