Last updated: April 2006

This booklet is produced and published by the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, a not-for-profit law firm focused on the civil legal needs of low-income, elderly, and disabled residents of Cook County, Illinois, and the Evanston Commission on Aging with the assistance of Robyn J. Grant, M.S.W., Consultant Material contained herein is not to be considered legal advice to any particular person. Each person’s circumstances are unique and must be evaluated individually. Competent legal counsel should be sought before taking any action in reliance on the information contained in this guide.

Funds for this publication were provided in part through an award from the Northeast Illinois Area Agency on Aging and the Suburban Area Agency on Aging AgeOptions through a National Caregivers Act grant from the Illinois Department on Aging and/or Administration on Aging under Title III of the Older Americans Act.

Acknowledgment / Introduction

Chapter 1: Paying for Long Term Care

Medicare
Medicaid
Long Term Care Insurance 
Veterans Benefits

Chapter 2: Health Care Decision Making

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care 
Living Will
The Health Care Surrogate Act 
Guardianship

Chapter 3: Before or After a Nursing Home Stay: Non-Nursing Home Option

Remaining at Home
When Your Loved One Can No Longer Remain at Home
Finding Services
Returning Home After a Nursing Home Stay

Chapter 4: What Services a Nursing Home Provides

How Are Nursing Homes Different from Other Long Term Care Settings?
What Levels of Care Does a Nursing Home Provide?
What Services Must a Nursing Home Provide?

Chapter 5: Nursing Home Laws and Regulations 

Federal and State Laws and Regulations Governing Nursing Homes 
Key Nursing Home Provisions
Residents’ Rights 
Family Rights

Chapter 6: Nursing Home Oversight and Monitoring

Federal Level: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 
State Level: Illinois Department of Public Health
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Chapter 7: The Nursing Home Admission Agreement 

When Should a Contract Be Signed? 
What Should the Contract Look Like? 
What Should NOT Be in the Contract?
Who Should Sign the Contract? 
Who Gets Copies of the Contract?
Additional Points to Consider 

Chapter 8: Who Does What in the Nursing Home?

How is a Nursing Home Organized and Who Does What in the Home? 

Chapter 9: Proactive Steps to Getting Good Care
Chapter 10: How to Have a Good Visit 
Chapter 11: Red Flags: Signs of Trouble 

Pressure Sores 
Contractures 
Malnutrition 
Dehydration 
Lack of Personal Hygiene 
Decline in Independence 

Chapter 12: Solving Nursing Home Problems 

Before You Begin 
Problem Solving Within the Nursing Home
Seeking Help Outside the Nursing Home  

Chapter 13: Frequently Asked Questions 

Resources / Conclusion

Appendix 1: How to Read an Illinois Department of Public Health Survey Report
Appendix 2: Restraints 
Appendix 3: How to File a Complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health 
Appendix 4: Determining if a Resident’s Needs Are Being Met

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