It doesn’t pay to get old — nursing home costs are through the roof

The sick cost of falling ill

“A nursing home or assisted living without personal resources is a challenge,” says doctor and administrator for 17 years at NY metropolitan area hospitals Robert G. Lahita, MD, PhD, FACP, MACR, FRCP, director of St. Joseph’s Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases, professor of medicine, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

“Acute care beds can cost $600 or more daily. A hospital stay can rack up a seven-figure bill. You, the taxpayer, are responsible for that tab — now more difficult with federal cutbacks that hospitals depend on.”

Elderly people who need to move from a hospital to a nursing home get stuck.

“People with no assets depend on the state and city,” Lahita says. “Federal backstop Medicaid covers long-term nursing, if you meet the medical need and financial eligibility requirements.

“New Jersey nursing homes charge $10,000 to $18,000 per month, depending on private or semi-private room and the level of care required. NYC is roughly $15,000 a month.

“Medicare covers short-term, skilled care in specific situations. If poor and need a nursing home, Medicaid is the path. Nursing home placement depends on availability and whether they accept Medicaid. Details for your city and state are found online at Medicare.gov.

“Hospital committees battle at getting a patient into a facility when there’s neither money, assets nor a Social Security number. One must meet two criteria: a medical need plus care and financial eligibility, which varies by state.

“Some patients wait over a year for placement. No assets or Social Security number makes it difficult to get you out of the hospital.”

Betty shore loved cruising

An old story just flashed into my mind — could be the Hormuz and ships at sea drew it back to me. Whatever, I’ll repeat it.

In the ’50s the late Hollywood movie queen — pre Marilyn Monroe — was Betty Grable. She was IT. The gorgeous, blonde, beautiful World War 2 pinup girl. Films like “Springtime in the Rockies,” “How To Marry a Millionaire.”

One day, sitting quietly, just we two, I asked has she any unfulfilled wish. She said quickly, “Yes.” Well, what?

Her exact words: “I want to take a five-day voyage at sea. I want a stateroom on the Queen Mary. I want a gorgeous handsome man alongside me in bed — and I want him to make love to me multiple times.”

Listen, OK by me. Some people just want a Hershey bar.

A happy verdict

The world goes on. Judge Judy just welcomed a new great-grandson last week at Greenwich Hospital. Name is Bodie Hartwright. He is great-grand No. 3. Proud parents are Leena and Taylor Hartwright. He was two weeks early but 7 pounds and perfect in every way. And she just thought you should know.

Jot this down . . .

And fan mail goes on.

From Jersey City: “You write about this Ozempic stuff. Please. A fat ass is a fat ass. Period!”

About Prince Harry’s beloved: “Meghan Markle broke up a family and tried only to raise her own profile. She expended [herself] all over Great Britain. Shame on her!”

Buying designer knockoffs online brought this note: “If you haven’t the money for the real thing, don’t buy it!”

About those so-called “Real Housewife” stars: “They’re nothing of the sort. They have big egos and no talent.”

From me: Oy, another day, another dollar.

Only in New York, kids, only in New York!