6 Essential Steps Before Moving Your Parents to Assisted Living—And What to Know About Medicaid
Deciding whether an assisted living facility (ALF) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is the right choice for your aging parents is a major decision that requires careful planning. While both options provide care for seniors, they are drastically different in terms of services, cost, and how they are paid for—especially when it comes to Medicaid.
Key Takeaways
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) offer personal care and social engagement but do not provide medical care.
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) offer round-the-clock medical care and are covered by Medicaid for those who qualify.
Medicaid (MO HealthNet) covers nearly all costs of an SNF but only provides about $300 per month toward ALF care in Missouri.
At Fortified Elder Law, we help families with estate planning when moving into an ALF and provide Medicaid planning for those entering an SNF.
1. Understand the Difference Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing
Many families assume assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are similar, but they provide different levels of care and have completely different payment structures.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF):
Offers help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides housing, meals, and social activities, but no 24/7 medical care.
Costs are paid out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance.
Medicaid in Missouri will only cover about $300 per month toward ALF costs, leaving families to pay the rest privately.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF):
Provides 24/7 medical care by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and physicians.
Required for seniors with significant health conditions who need long-term medical care.
Costs are covered by Medicaid (MO HealthNet) for those who qualify, paying nearly the entire bill.
Key takeaway: If your parent is moving to an ALF, they will likely need to pay out of pocket. If they are moving to an SNF, Medicaid planning is critical to cover long-term care costs.
2. Plan for Costs: What Medicaid Covers—And What It Doesn’t
Many families assume Medicaid covers all long-term care needs, but this is not the case for assisted living facilities.
If Your Parent is Moving to an ALF
Medicaid (MO HealthNet) only provides about $300 per month toward ALF costs.
The remaining expenses must be paid privately through savings, long-term care insurance, or VA benefits.
Since ALF residents do not require medical care, Medicaid does not fully cover their living expenses.
If Your Parent is Moving to an SNF
Medicaid covers the entire cost of skilled nursing care for eligible individuals.
Many seniors qualify for Medicaid with proper legal planning, even if they have assets.
Without Medicaid planning, families may spend their life savings on nursing home care before getting help.
At Fortified Elder Law, we help families navigate Medicaid eligibility for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), ensuring they receive the care they need without losing their life savings.
3. Estate Planning for Assisted Living Residents
If your loved one is moving to an assisted living facility, it’s essential to have the right estate planning documents in place.
Key Estate Planning Documents for ALF Residents:
General Durable Power of Attorney (GDPOA): Ensures a trusted person can manage financial decisions.
Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA): Allows a designated person to make medical decisions if your parent becomes incapacitated.
Will and Trusts (if necessary): Helps protect assets and ensures their wishes are followed.
Probate Avoidance Planning: Ensures their estate passes smoothly without the delay and cost of probate.
We help ensure an ALF resident’s estate is properly structured to protect their future and their loved ones.
4. Medicaid Planning for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
If your parent requires long-term care in a skilled nursing facility, proper Medicaid planning is essential.
How Fortified Elder Law Helps Families Qualify for Medicaid:
Legally protect assets while ensuring Medicaid eligibility.
Navigate complex Medicaid rules to avoid unnecessary spend-downs.
Set up trusts and transfers to protect the family home and savings.
File Medicaid applications correctly to prevent delays and denials.
Many families believe they must spend everything before qualifying for Medicaid, but this is not true. With proper planning, your parents may be able to preserve assets while still receiving care.
5. Reviewing Contracts for Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
Before signing an assisted living or nursing home contract, it’s crucial to understand:
What services are included in the base cost.
Whether there are extra fees for additional care.
What happens if your parent’s needs increase and they require a nursing home.
Whether the facility accepts Medicaid if transitioning to skilled nursing.
6. Take the Next Step: Protect Your Parents’ Future
If your loved one is moving to an assisted living facility, make sure their estate plan is in place. If they are transitioning to skilled nursing, Medicaid planning is critical to avoid losing their life savings.
At Fortified Elder Law, we assist families with Medicaid planning for skilled nursing facility care. Our goal is to help individuals in Missouri navigate Medicaid eligibility while preserving assets and securing the care they need.
Contact Fortified Elder Law Today
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing care is crucial for making the right decision for your family. Medicaid will not cover the cost of assisted living beyond $300 per month in Missouri, but it can help cover the full cost of skilled nursing care for those who meet eligibility requirements.
If your loved one needs estate planning for assisted living or Medicaid planning for skilled nursing care, Fortified Elder Law is here to help. Contact us today to protect their future.