As an elder law attorney in Michigan, I've seen firsthand the health issues that often lead seniors to require nursing home care. While aging doesn't necessarily mean a move to a nursing facility is inevitable, certain conditions can make it necessary for older adults to receive round-the-clock care. Here are some of the top health issues that commonly result in nursing home placement:

Falls and Related Injuries

Falls are one of the leading causes of nursing home admissions among the elderly. As we age, our balance, coordination, and muscle strength can decline, increasing the risk of falls. Serious falls can lead to:

• Broken hips and other fractures
• Head injuries
• The need for help with the activities of daily living due to loss of function that results from these injuries.

Even after recovery, some seniors require ongoing assistance and supervision to prevent future falls, making nursing home care a safer option.

Advanced Diabetes Complications

Diabetes is increasingly common among older adults, and its long-term complications can require nursing home care. Late-stage diabetes often involves:

• Renal Failure: When diabetes damages the kidneys, it can lead to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. The frequent treatments and medical monitoring often make nursing home care essential.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Severe vision loss or blindness from diabetes can make it unsafe for seniors to live independently.
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage in the feet and hands can impair mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks, increasing the need for assistance.

Stroke

Strokes can have devastating effects on an individual's ability to function independently. Post-stroke care often requires:

• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)

The level of care needed after a severe stroke often exceeds what can be provided at home, making nursing homes a necessary option.

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive cognitive decline is a significant factor in nursing home admissions. As dementia advances, individuals may experience:

• Memory loss
• Confusion and disorientation requiring the need to live in a protective environment
• Behavioral changes
• Inability to safely perform ADLs

The 24/7 supervision and specialized care required for advanced dementia patients often requires a nursing home environment.

Decline in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

As seniors age, they may gradually lose the ability to perform ADLs independently. These activities include:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting and incontinence care
• Transferring (moving from bed to chair, etc.)
• Eating

When an individual requires extensive assistance with multiple ADLs, it often becomes unsafe or impractical for them to remain at home, even with in-home care services.

Conclusion

While these health issues are common reasons for nursing home placement, it's important to remember that each situation is unique. As an elder law attorney in Troy, Michigan, I always recommend that families explore all available care options and to plan ahead for potential long-term care needs. Medicaid planning and planning for incapacity can help make sure seniors receive the good care while protecting their assets and wishes. With married couples, when one of the spouses needs nursing home care, we can usually avoid a Medicaid spenddown and protect all of the assets that are at risk for the other spouse. For single people needing nursing home care, we can often protect at least half of the assets at risk above the non-countable assets (the home, a car, household furnishings) that a Medicaid applicant may already keep.

If you have more questions or need further information, feel free to contact me, Andrew Byers. You can contact me now by using the online form or calling me directly at (248) 469-4261. On this initial call, I can spend a few minutes with you in order to answer your preliminary questions and get some background information to make sure it's a situation I can help with. After that, you can decide if it make sense to schedule a more in-depth consultation.