State and federal law requires that any individual considering nursing home and other types of care services complete a Pre-admission Review. Skilled staff from the Area Agencies on Aging inform consumers of their choices in long-term care service settings. Whenever appropriate, the reviewer will educate the consumer about long-term care options such as home and community-based services and assisted living. The Pre-admission Review helps prevent unnecessary or inappropriate institutionalization and promotes lower-cost home and alternatives.
The review can be initiated by the consumer (or his or her family), hospital staff, nursing facility staff and others. The review makes three basic determinations:
- Does the individual need services for mental Health, mental retardation or developmental disabilities.
- What level of care does the individual require and what types of facilities can provide it.
- Could the individual receive the services he or she need through alternatives to nursing home care. If this is the case, an in-person assessment will likely be scheduled.
It is also during this process that individuals seeking Medicaid payment for their nursing home stay will complete a Medicaid application and submit it to their County Department of Job and Family Services.
For more information about the Pre-admission Review process, talk with placement staff at a nursing facility or contact your Area Agency on Aging.
