So sorry about this. We recently dealt with a similar situation with a relative. Found out a few things –

1) Medical insurance carriers distinguish between coverage for medically necessary care (which is covered according to the terms of the policy) and assistance with “activities of daily living”, referred to as ADLs (almost always not covered by a medical insurance policy). This is where a long term coverage plan is needed, but most people don’t have one so they end up paying for ADL care out of pocket. It’s such a conundrum because it’s essential care yet it’s considered non-medical…it’s disturbing to find out that this huge gap in our health care exists.

2) Usually there is a social worker or someone at the nursing home/rehab center who helps families segue to the next stage of care before discharge, even/especially if the next stage is not covered by insurance. We found this person to have a lot of good contacts and was a great resource for our situation. Maybe there’s a social worker at your friends’ facility who can help them?

3) They’ll probably want to consider either a stay in an assisted living center or else use an in-home provider. We found a great in-home provider for $25/hr. She is the caregiver while the spouse was at work. This person bathes, dresses, makes meals, takes walks/drives with the recovering person, sits and reads, whatever is needed/wanted. Lots of advantages to this, and it’s way less expensive for our relative than being in an assisted living facility, also much more comfortable. But, there are disadvantages, most significantly, the spouse is “on duty” when he arrives home and is without help during the night, and as such, there is never any down time for this person. Also, some homes are just not set up for this kind of care if the person has mobility issues.

In any case, it’s very difficult for all, but so important and nice that you’re helping them out. They need you now! So sorry. Best of luck.