Q. How do I go about getting someone in a nursing home?
A. You need to talk with the person's doctor to evaluate his or her needs. If he/she is in the hospital, talk with your discharge planner to discuss nursing home placement. We are here to assist you in any way with making the admission process as smooth as possible
Q. What items do I need to bring?
A. Resident/family should provide clothing, personal items (pictures, TV, radio/clock, books). You are encouraged to decorate and accessorize as you have space.
Q. What are visiting hours?
A. We have no set visiting hours. People are able to visit their loved ones around the clock. However, visitors need to be respectful of other residents
Q. Who does my loved ones’ laundry?
A. Families always have the option of doing a loved ones’ laundry. An airtight hamper must be provided when the family has chosen to do the resident’s laundry. The facility will do the laundry for the residents. Residents are asked to label all clothing to be washed in the facilities' laundry.
Q. What is a trust fund? Does every resident have a trust fund?
A. A trust fund is when the facility holds money for an individual. This fund is optional and must be authorized by the resident or family. This is usually done at the time of admission but can be at a later time. The facility is required to hold the money in an interest bearing account and to make that money available for the residents’ use as needed.
Q. Will Medicare cover my nursing home stay?
A. Yes, under certain circumstances. If a patient has been an inpatient in the hospital for three consecutive days within the last 30 days prior to nursing home admission, they would qualify. However, the patient upon entering the nursing home must have a skilled need as defined by Medicare. If both conditions are met, Medicare will pay the first 20 days in full and from day 21 to 100 the patient will be responsible to pay a co-pay (unless the patient has secondary insurance which will cover; check with your health insurance provider). If at any time during these 100 days the skilled service ceases, Medicare may no longer cover.
Q. What is the difference between skilled and custodial care?
A. A skilled service is a service that has to be provided by licensed professional (i.e. restorative therapies, wound care, dressing changes, tube feedings). A non-professional (i.e., family, friend) can provide custodial care. Custodial needs are generally chronic and occur when the individual requires ongoing supervision and assistance with activities of daily living (i.e., bathing, dressing, eating, and medication).
Other Questions?
If you have a question that is not already covered above, feel free to call our Business Office on Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 205-625-3520.
