Does anyone know how long it takes for the agency for aging to approve someone to get into a nursing home?

The short answer is when a bed or place has an vacancy. There are more private pay facilities that have open beds. If you are planning to pay with Medicaid, you'll want to get on a waiting list or look in an expanded radius for more facility options.

minions3: The answer to your question is when a bed becomes available at the SNH.

I stopped by a nursing home for an application, filled it out, and the woman in charge said 'we have Medicaid beds, have your mother's doctor send over her medical records and she can be admitted, Medicaid pending, next week.' Oh joy, oh rapture! I had completed Mom's Medicaid and she was approved, and visiting nurses came to do an evaluation prior to my stopping at the nursing home.

I have found the last answer to be true, as well But it is also something to note that if she has a hospital admission for any reason, she will be more likely to be accepted into a nursing facility more quickly. If she does have a hospital admission speak with the social worker immediately and let her/him know that she needs nursing home placement. She cannot be discharged into the community if it is unsafe for her.

Approving is one thing and finding a bed is another. As you may know, beds are not always available, and the most critical needs are those who are in a hospital and cannot return home. Keep in touch with her caseworker.