Many elderly Iowans enter nursing homes after living privately in their own homes or apartments. When entering a nursing home, some maintain a degree of privacy by getting their own room as long as they can pay the higher cost of a private room. After using up their savings, people must apply for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs. Once on Medicaid, most of the time the resident must live in a shared room.
It can be very difficult and emotionally painful when an elderly person suddenly must share space with a stranger. This is especially true if the stranger does not have the same interests or habits. Imagine how disturbing and unpleasant it might be when a person who enjoys quiet reading now must live with someone constantly watching television at a loud volume.
Iowans in nursing homes on Medicaid may have a private room if they or family members pay the extra cost. This is possible because of a change in the law in 2011. So if your mother, father or other loved one is on Medicaid and wants to have a private room, it is an option as long as someone pays the extra cost. Important Note: If someone decides to help with the extra cost, their payments must go directly to the nursing home and not to the resident.