A nursing home is prohibited from requiring a third party to guarantee payment from his own funds to the facility as a condition of admission or continued stay of another party. Any attempt by the nursing home to do so is a blatant violation of the law, and may be reported to the local District Attorney’s office.
On the other hand, a nursing home may require an individual who has legal access to the resident’s income or resources to sign a contract to provide payment from the resident’s income or resources for such care. An individual can have access to resident’s income and resources through a Power of Attorney, a joint bank account or through an appointment as Guardian.
If an individual signed a contract to provide payment to nursing home from the resident’s income or resources, and then that individual breaches this contract, then a nursing home may institute a cause of action. The individual may become personally liable for the cost of care if the resident’s funds were misspent and were not turned over to nursing home, as required.
Nonetheless, very often certain nursing home facilities are in high demand and there is a waiting list. The chances of an individual’s acceptance into a particular nursing home may be greatly enhanced by some private pay in advance.
Disclaimer: This article only offers general information. Each situation is unique. It is always helpful to talk to a specialized attorney, to figure out your various options and ramifications of actions. As every case has subtle differences, please do not use this article for legal advice. Only a signed engagement letter will create an attorney-client relationship. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.