Our most frequent questions and answers:
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 quality. 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 and payment either becomes private pay or Medicaid (if eligible).
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).
No. Medicaid guidelines for eligibility for a spousal situation differ from those that apply to an individual. The “community” or well spouse is allowed to keep some savings and the home in which they reside. Please contact your designated social worker with any additional questions you may have.
No. The patient can designate any one of the eight facilities of choice and rank them in order of preference. However, when the physician determines the patient is medically stable for discharge, bed availability will be confirmed with the facilities. If no bed is available in the preferred facility, it is expected that the patient will accept the bed that is offered.
Note: When pursing placement for patients from the community, the patient can wait until the facility of their choice becomes available.
Yes. Each facility has a social worker who can assist you in pursuing a transfer to your preferred facility.
The physician is consulted to determine the most appropriate mode of transportation.
In order for a patient to be transferred by ambulance, certain medical criteria must be met. Some patients can be transferred to the facility by a wheelchair van or by family if they request to do so, and it is felt the patient can be safely transported by that mode of transportation. Depending upon the circumstances, the patient may be changed for transportation services. Please speak with your social worker if you have any additional questions.
Staff and trained personal are available 24 hours a day to handle emergency situations. Skilled nursing facilities have arrangements with local hospitals and health care professionals for assistance with emergencies.
Yes. Skilled nursing residences have a full calendar of activities and social events for residents, including art classes, ice cream socials, bingo and game night, prayer service, movie night and guest speakers. In addition, many have wellness centers, swimming pools, beauty parlors, restaurant- style dining and other amenities that make the skilled nursing facility more like resort living.
The size and layout varies from nursing home to nursing home. For example, some rooms may be private and others shared. Rooms may have their own bathroom, or they may be shared with others. The best way to determine for yourself whether a skilled nursing residence is the best place for your parent is to schedule a personal visit to tour the facility. You might be surprised at how nice the accommodations really are.
Book a guided tour with one of our dedicated staff and see how we can provide help to you or your loved ones. Contact us for a facility tour and consultation meeting.