You could pay for long term care insurance beforehand, or else you can hook up with Medicaid to foot the bills if you have very little money to start with.  It takes some research and lots of paperwork, but there are social workers out there that will guide you through.  

And what about your VA, ours has a nursing home there too.  Even a millionaire couldn't afford to pay for a nursing home nowadays!  Not for long anyway.

Fred you have VA and could use that for even short term.

I was fortunate to get in the best part of town nearest my hospital medical offices. But I complain bloody because they are only as good as the people working there. Ijsay to all young. save retirement as soon as you work, but prices are not meant to private pay. The industry is full of this and that with disability. But at least in our country, we can at least find some resource for care when a person needs it. I hope someone does not have a story of an exception.

don't worry Fred you will live at home with wife just fine. Wife will have her putaways so she can get some in home help.

there is resources to get people out of the snf. I am looking around for that. I found a assisted home and got a waiver but have not found where I want to be.