Resources & FAQs

Practical questions for planning a care move in Portland metro and surrounding areas.

Before you plan a move

Start with the person: discuss routines, preferences and what matters most.
Describe daily support: ask the care team for a current assessment covering mobility, personal care, medications, memory and overnight needs.
Set priorities: agree on location, timing, room preferences and budget questions.
Confirm admission: ask the receiving provider about its assessment, current opening and required documents.
Plan the move-out: review notice requirements, belongings, charges and communication with the current setting.
Assign a coordinator: identify family and provider contacts, transport, equipment needs and first-week follow-up.

Questions to ask on a tour

Who provides care during the day, overnight and on weekends? Is overnight staff awake or available as needed?
Who runs the home or community, what are their credentials, and how is nursing support available?
Can you support this person’s specific needs? What would require outside services or another setting?
How do staff respond to falls, changes in condition, memory needs or behavioral concerns?
Is this room currently available, private or shared, accessible and appropriate?
What does the written agreement include? How are charges and changes explained?
How are family updates, concerns and future move-outs handled?

Look at cleanliness, accessible bathrooms and exits, staff interaction, resident comfort and daily activity. Ask about anything unclear and review public licensing records alongside your tour.

Oregon Medicaid planning FAQs

Does Medicare cover ongoing long-term care?

Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care. Some skilled services may be covered under specific conditions. Medicaid long-term care programs have separate eligibility rules. Read Medicare’s coverage guidance.

Does having OHP mean a care-home stay is approved?

Do not assume health coverage establishes approval for a particular long-term care service or location. Oregon has multiple programs with different eligibility criteria. Ask the benefits office about the financial and care-needs review for your situation. ODHS explains benefits and how to apply.

Is a provider’s “spend-down period” a Medicaid rule?

Keep the questions separate: ask what Medicaid eligibility requires, and ask what the provider means by a private-pay period before considering a Medicaid transition. A stated number of months does not establish eligibility or guarantee a future opening. Request written provider terms and confirm the individual arrangement with the benefits office.

What should I ask a provider about Medicaid?

Do you accept direct Medicaid admissions for this person and this opening?
Can a private-pay resident transition here, and what written conditions apply?
What happens if funds run out early, or an application is pending or denied?
Which charges remain the resident’s responsibility? Could room choice or continued residency change?
Who confirms authorization and the effective date before the move?

Should I transfer assets before applying?

Get individualized advice before gifts, transfers, trusts or ownership changes. Transfers for less than fair market value can affect long-term care eligibility. Ask ODHS and a qualified Oregon elder-law attorney about rules, exceptions, spouse protections and estate-recovery implications for your situation.

What information should I prepare?

Ask the benefits office for its current document list. It may need income, resources, insurance, household and care-needs information. Use its approved process for sensitive documents rather than a general website enquiry form.

Official resources

Need help organizing your next step?

Contact Kate or call (503) 862-8256 for care options and transition planning.

Reviewed October 14, 2026. General education and planning questions, not individual medical, legal or benefits advice. Confirm current requirements with the responsible agency, provider and qualified professionals.