"I didn't even know these contracts were negotiable."
When Jen moved her Mom into memory care, she did what most of us do: she treated the stack of paperwork like a standard formality. In the middle of a family crisis, we often sign on the dotted line just to get our loved ones settled, not realizing the massive implications for their rights, their safety, and our own financial health.
To help us move from "just signing" to actually advocating, Jen is joined by Uri Nve, an expert in elder justice. Following up on his critical episode regarding elder abuse, Uri returns to pull back the curtain on the "standard" care home contract.
In this episode, we decode:
- The "Arbitration Trap": Why facilities want you to waive your right to a jury trial and why you should almost always say no.
- Red Flag Clauses: How to identify—and strike—waivers of liability that attempt to protect the facility at the expense of your loved one.
- The "Responsible Party" Myth: Critical advice on how to sign paperwork so you don't inadvertently become a personal financial guarantor for the bill.
- The Power of Planning: Why the best time to negotiate is long before the "move-in day" crisis hits.
- Home Care vs. Residential Care: Understanding the different levels of regulation and what you can (and should) demand from agencies.
We often make these choices during the hardest days of our lives. This conversation is designed to give you the tools to protect your family before the first box is even unpacked.
Our Guest: Uri Niv
Uri H. Niv is a trial attorney specializing in elder abuse cases, advocating for victims and their families. His extensive legal background includes working at a large law firm, as well as serving as a prosecutor for violent felony cases. This diverse experience allows him to fiercely champion the rights of those affected by elder abuse. Uri is deeply committed to community service, actively working to combat homelessness in Los Angeles. He is dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.
GET THE CHECKLIST: Don't go into the meeting empty-handed. We’ve turned the insights from this episode into a Contract Negotiation Checklist available now on our Substack. 👉 [Link to Substack Custom Page]
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act (California)
- The Nursing Home Reform Act (1987)
Join the "Dementia Decoded" Inner Circle
As we officially step into our new name, I am so excited to invite you into our growing community on Substack.
What I’m loving most about this space is that it’s just information and support—pure and simple. We’ve cut out all the "social media" machinations and algorithms you usually have to jump through just to find the help you need. This is about real strategies and a real community, delivered straight to your inbox.
With this episode, we’ve also officially gone live with our Paid Subscription. By joining as a paid member, you aren't just supporting the mission of this show; you’re getting deeper access to the "decoded" strategies we discuss every week.
Connect with Dementia Decoded
Stay connected for more strategies, personal stories, and caregiver support:
- Substack: The Caregiver's Guide — Subscribe for weekly insights and deeper dives into dementia care.
- Website: DementiaDecoded.org — Explore the Dementia Decoded Lab and podcast archives.
- Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook.
