Housing & Transportation

Free Legal Help For Renters and Home Buyers

clewis — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:02:25 -0500

It's illegal for landlords, realtors, bankers and others to discriminate against you because of your race, religion, sex, family status, or handicap. Landlords also have rules to follow in dealing with you as a tenant. To learn more about your rights in dealing with landlords and people in the housing industry, contact any of the following:

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Room 5204
451 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20410

800-669-9777

National Fair Housing Advocate Online

clewis — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:26:59 -0500

The National Fair Housing Advocate Online is a resource designed to serve both the fair housing advocacy community and the general public with timely news and information regarding the issues of housing discrimination.

Indoor Air Quality

clewis — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:25:17 -0500

This publication discusses asthma triggers sometimes found in the home and possible solutions. It is intended to help manage and reduce possible indoor triggers. Medical professionals should be consulted first and their recommendations followed.

How can I find assisted living facilities in my area?

clewis — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 18:02:10 -0500

In Nebraska, a frequently updated roster of licensed assisted living facilities, listed by city, is available via the internet by accessing the following website: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/crl/ALF%20Roster.pdf

You can also receive a copy of this roster by contacting:

What is a Resident Service Agreement?

clewis — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 18:00:34 -0500

The most important piece of information you can have is the Resident Service Agreement. This is the legal contract between you and the facility that sets forth what arrangements you have agreed to, regardless of anything that was advertised, stated, or promised through conversations, brochures, or other media.

Key issues that should be included in the Resident Service Agreement

The Resident Service Agreement should clearly state, at a minimum, the following issues in writing:

Should I visit the assisted living facilities I'm interested in?

clewis — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:56:11 -0500

YES!

Whether it's you or another family member who is looking at assisted living, you should visit any facility you're interested in, at least twice, before making a decision. You need to get a sense of what it would be like to live in this facility.

It is suggested that one visit be on a weekday so you can talk about your concerns and questions with the management or sales staff person.

Can I get financial help to pay for assisted living?

clewis — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:54:46 -0500

It is important to think about the long-term future when you enter an assisted living facility, and how long you think your financial resources will last. You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Medicaid Waiver Program if you are aged, blind or disabled and meet program guidelines. However, not all facilities are certified.

How much does assisted living cost in Nebraska and how do people pay for it?

clewis — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:52:58 -0500

In Nebraska, monthly fees for assisted living vary, depending upon facility design and services, and resident needs. Be sure to ask the facility what is included in the basic monthly fee.

There may be a charge for additional services not covered in the monthly fee. If this information is not readily provided, you will need to ask the facility which of their services they charge extra for, beyond the basic fee.

With such a variety of options available for assisted living, how can I know which one is right for me or my loved one?

clewis — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:51:22 -0500

The following checklist may help you to judge which assisted living facility best meets your needs. First, use the list to find out the areas that you or your loved one need help with. Then, when contacting a facility, use the checklist to find out if the facility provides the services you need and what the additional costs would be for each service.