Could a Nursing Home Refuse to Take a Patient?

It's stressful navigating the aging process with elderly parents and relatives – particularly when it comes time to consider nursing homes or similar arrangements. One question on your mind is likely: can nursing homes refuse patients?

Nursing homes can refuse to take a patient for several reasons. You can preempt potential refusal by learning why nursing homes refuse certain patients and researching and selecting the right nursing home. Nursing home alternatives could also be a better option for your senior.

Why Do Nursing Homes Refuse Patients?

You may be surprised that nursing homes can refuse patients, but it can be common depending on several factors. Refusal grounds include:

• Medical (e.g., serious conditions the facility in question is not equipped to handle, like severe dementia)
• History of violence (e.g., abusive behavior toward staff at a prior facility)
• Capacity

Some nursing homes are better equipped to handle certain types of patients. For example, nursing homes with special units dedicated to Alzheimer's/dementia, pulmonary, or hospice are better suited to accommodate patients that require care in those categories.

You'll want to ensure you're selecting the right nursing home. Choosing one that's well-equipped for your parent or relative's needs will help avoid patient refusal. Medicare.gov has a valuable tool that lets you compare various nursing home options that match your needs.

What Is Patient Dumping?

Patient dumping differs from patient refusal, as it occurs while an individual has been living in a nursing home rather than during the application process. It typically involves a patient being transferred from the nursing home to a hospital so that a medical issue can be addressed. Once the patient is better and ready to return, they find that their belongings have been packed up and the facility has denied them readmittance.

Patient dumping is illegal, and there are regulations to protect nursing home residents from this situation. If this happens to your senior, you can seek advice from a hospital social worker or contact a legal firm specializing in these cases.

Nursing Home Alternatives

What Is an Assisted Living Facility?

The main difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities is that nursing homes require medical clearance. In contrast, assisted living is more suitable for individuals requiring minimal health care. Many assisted living facilities are beautiful communities with impressive amenities, offering group events, entertainment, free meals, and on-site pharmacies.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care offers a break to unpaid caregivers by providing part-time caregiver services. These services can be in-home or offsite and include adult day care and professional in-home visits. Benefits include shared commitment among relatives, flexibility in care level, and one-on-one support for in-home options.

How To Make a Home Safe for Seniors

You can head off serious injuries and potentially avoid the nursing home route altogether by making minor adjustments to a senior's home. Popular modifications include:

• Removal of throw rugs
• Removal of extension cords
• Installation of sensor lights and/or night lights. This highly rated Solatec LED Night Light (available on Amazon.com) comes in a convenient six-pack.
• Installation of grab bars. An excellent option is the Stander Security Pole Grab Bar (available on Amazon.com).
• Availability of canes and/or walkers
• Addition of colored tape on steps
• Addition of door ramps
• Accessibility of 1st-floor bathroom/bedroom, if possible

Remember, investment in the safety and convenience of a senior's home will help prevent potentially costly and long-term care issues down the line.

Conclusion

When evaluating options for your senior loved one, it's essential to remember that nursing homes can refuse to take certain patients. You'll have to carefully assess nursing home options to ensure your choice meets your elderly relative's needs.

Beyond that, you have the opportunity to consider nursing home alternatives like assisted living and respite care. What's more, taking the time and effort to prepare your senior's home today could preempt the need to place your loved one in a nursing home in the future.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.