From estate matters to settling finances, there are so many decisions to make and formalities to complete before a senior moves into an assisted living facilities. Above all that, anyone moving into a senior care facility in California has an additional step to complete – Form 602.
What is Form 602?
Form 602 is a specific type of physician’s report that must be completed by all seniors living in elderly residential care facilities in California, regardless of whether they are residents of the state or moving in from another state. As long as the senior residential care facilities are located in California, the state requires that all seniors living in or intending to live in the facility, complete and submit this form.
Form 602 is issued by the California Department of Social Services. The form was established as a way to help senior communities better understand the needs of potential residents in terms of medical assistance, nutritional needs, mental and physical capabilities and other care requirements.
The form cannot be filled by any family member. It must be filled by a qualified physician who can make a professional assessment of the senior’s care needs.
Along with the filling in all details asked for in the form, the senior is also required to do a TB test or take a chest X-Ray that shows negative results for TB. The results of a TB test are valid only for six months, while the results of a chest X-Ray are valid for one year.
Where Can You Access Form 602?
Form 602 is available in pdf form at the California Department of Social Services website. You download the form, print it and take it to your loved one’s physician to fill.
The form is quite extensive and can take some time to fill. If your loved one is considering moving into a senior residential facility in California, it is important to get in touch with their doctor as early as possible and set up an appointment for a Form 602 assessment. It’s a good idea to inform the doctor about the purpose of the visit so they can schedule a longer consultation if necessary.
Are Doctors Needed to Complete the Form?
Yes, the form must be completed and signed by the elderly resident’s primary physician who is familiar with the senior’s medical history, any medications they are on, their health status and capabilities.
If the senior is transferring from another assisted living or skilled nursing community, then the form may be filled by the in-house or attending physician who has been treating the senior.
The main purpose of the Form 602 is to give the facility a realistic picture of the prospective resident’s health so they can make the necessary arrangements.
