FAQs

The first thing to remember is that cost of care should be based on the amount of care needed. Assisted Living residents should not require as much care as a nursing resident and rates should reflect that. Cost considerations include: room and board, snacks, telephone, cable TV, everyday medical supplies, medications, doctor visits, lab work, physical therapy, incontinence care, wound care, and wandering protection. (Please also note that there are facilities out there that require a LARGE deposit for the “right” to join their community – Peabody does not.)

For Assisted Living: What services are included in the room rate? Many facilities will quote a room rate but services such as showers, etc., may cost extra. Licensed Assisted Living facilities are required to provide you with a Standard Disclosure Summary which defines the services you receive for the rates you pay. It is important when comparing facilities that you research exactly what is included in the daily rate and find out what other charges could show up on a bill.

For Nursing Care: Room rates can vary widely. How does the daily rate compare with the other rates in the area? What is included in the rate? What is extra? (Keep in mind, a private pay resident living in a facility that houses individuals supported by Medicare/Medicaid helps to subsidize the payment for these individuals. The private-pay resident possibly will save money if they seek non-Medicare/Medicaid homes and homes that are non-profit.)

Peabody Place is a not-for-profit private pay care residential center. Peabody’s assisted living options are for private pay members. Peabody Place does offer support to residents and families in determining alternative Non-Medicaid supplemental financial support opportunities and works with a member’s Long-Term Care Insurance Policy provider.

In the acute stage of an illness, Medicare will pay for doctors, hospitals and rehabilitation services. As soon as an elder’s health stabilizes, they will be discharged from the hospital. This can come as quite a shock to family members because, even though the elder is stable enough to be discharged from the hospital, they may still be too ill to live at home. Family members now find themselves scrambling to quickly find a place that will care for the elder.

Remember: interviewing and visiting different placement options takes time. It is best to start your research long before the care is needed. This enables you, the family and the individual in need of care to be more informed about options available and more confident in the choice.

Remember, too, that at this point the individual is considered a private pay member. As long as the elder has more than $2,500.00 in assets they are responsible for paying for their own care. The only exception is an individual with Long Term Care insurance.

Medicaid pays for long-term chronic care only when an individual has less than $2,500 in total assets. An application must be completed and a list of all the elder’s assets must be disclosed.

Assets include cash, life insurance, stock, bonds, annuities, property, pension, social security and retirement savings. There is also a five-year “look-back” period. This look-back period is to see if the elder has “gifted” money or purposely impoverished themselves in order to quality for Medicaid benefits. Completed applications are only active for 45 days.

The Choices for Independence Program (administered by the NH Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services and formerly known as the Home & Community-Based Care Program for the Elderly and Chronically Ill, or HCBC-ECI) is available for seniors with chronic illnesses who are financially eligible for Medicaid and medically qualify for the care level they seek.

We offer a range of daily activities to accommodate each person’s unique needs and interests. Keep in mind that even though there are many elders that seem to like to “keep to themselves,” when they are offered the opportunity to hear live music, go for a ride or play Bingo, they can often surprise everyone, even themselves, by perking right up, joining in and coming out of their shell. At any rate, whether the elder chooses to participate or not, we make sure the option is available.

At Peabody, we strive to create an atmosphere that’s welcoming and encourages dignity and independence. Our team greets everyone they pass by with a smile, and our community members can make decisions like special meal accommodations.