Returning to the community from a nursing home
Your stay in a nursing home doesn’t have to be permanent. You always have the right to ask if it’s safe for you to leave a nursing home to live in your home, an apartment, or another setting. The answer will depend on the care and services you need, and available resources in your community. Your nursing home staff will regularly ask if you want to talk to someone about your options, since your needs may change over time.
What happens if I ask to speak with someone about returning to the community?
- Your nursing home staff will call a local agency for community living (Local Contact Agency).
- Your Local Contact Agency will call or visit you to learn what services and support you need. Then, they'll look into:
- Your housing options
- Services to help modify your home
- Other available services (like help with your medical and personal care)
- Programs that may help pay for these services (like Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance you may have.)
- If the services and support you need are available, you'll decide if you want to start planning to leave your nursing home. You can change your mind at any time.