FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can Family work with
therapy and the resident?
Of Course! Family is a major part of our resident's rehabilitation and care.
Family participation is welcomed. Family will also learn therapy techniques
that will prove to be invaluable upon discharge.
How do you communicate with staff to keep
them updated?
Every 8 hours we have shift meetings to communicate changes and continuity
of care. We have employee memos, and monthly inservice training to keep our
employees up to date.
What about someone who is underweight?
We have numerous programs to enhance weight gain. We investigate any weight
losses to find out the cause of the weight loss. We offer several supplements,
weekly dietician, and daily dietary manager updates. The whole system is monitored
by nursing and dietary every two weeks with appropriate interventions put
into place. We serve three nutritious meals per day as well as providing a
healthy evening snack. A hydration unit is set up at each nursing station.
Are you a Medicare/Medicaid certified Nursing
facility?
Yes, we are a Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing facility. We honor a variety
of managed care options. To see if your plan is covered, please call our business
office for assistance
Does the Department of Health endorse this
facility?
Yes. We are routinely evaluated by the Department of Health. These visits
are always unannounced and every aspect of patient care is investigated. We
have received superior evaluations because we maintain rigorous standards
and expectations for our employees with regard to resident's care.
What can I expect from nursing?
We have registered nurses on duty seven days a week. Our nurses have to meet
standards set by the State of Indiana for licensure. The charge nurse supervises
a staff of certified nursing assistants (CNA's) who help patients with bathing,
dressing, and meals. In addition, the CNA staff take daily vital signs;i.e.,
blood pressure, temperature, and pulse and report these to the charge nurse.
Family members may also call the charge nurse at any time for a status report
on a resident's medical condition. We are here to assist with the family's
concerns as well as the residents.
How many days is therapy?
All therapies require a physician's order. In the case of an HMO, therapy
must also have authorization for treatment from the HMO's case manager or
utilization manager. The amount of therapy received by a resident is dependent
on how much progress the patient makes. All therapists need to document significant
progress to keep a resident on a caseload.
Who does the patient's laundry?
Our facility offers laundry services, at no additional charge, or a family
may elect to do a resident's laundry at home.
How much clothing should be provided for
each resident?
We would like families to provide at least seven days of clothing including
2-3 warm sweaters, slippers, and a robe if possible. Clothing should be comfortable
and easy to put on and take off. On admission a staff person from the laundry
department will assist you in marking the clothing with the resident's name.
Each article of clothing, and any personal items, will be listed on an inventory
sheet for reference.
What are the visiting hours?
24 hours per day. We understand that most of us work and have difficulty visiting
during the daytime. We ask that families use their best judgement in regard
to the length of stay per visit and the time of the visit. Please note we
lock our doors after 9pm so ring the doorbell!
Is there a hairdresser available?
Yes. The hair salon is open on days and hours posted. Our hairdresser may
see both male and female residents. Hair care costs may be deducted from resident
trust accounts that can be set up at the Business Office.
How often does the doctor see the resident?
Physicians are required to see patients shortly after admission. However,
the charge nurse does contact the doctor at the time of admission for medication
orders, dietary requirements, and other considerations. Doctors are required
to make a monthly visit for long-term care patients but will come in if a
patient is experiencing a change of condition in medical status. Physicians
are available to us 24 hours per day.
What if the patient needs a consultation
for other services?
We contract with many ancillary service providers including (but not limited
to) the following:
Audiology
Psychiatry
Psychology
Dentistry
Orthotics & Prosthetics
Podiatry
X-ray services
Optometry
Cardiology
Dermatology
Neurology
Who do I contact you regarding insurance
and billing questions?
Our business office manager should be able to help you with most of your questions
and concerns. If you have a HMO, you can discuss any concerns with the case
manager assigned to the resident.
Who do I see if I have dietary concerns?
We have a dietary supervisor that is available to discuss resident preferences
and needs with the resident and/or family. We also have a registered dietician
that monitors each resident's dietary requirements, weight gain and/or loss,
etc.. In addition, we have a speech therapist available for consultation for
any resident with swallowing difficulties. We ask family members to please
check with the charge nurse concerning any possible diet restrictions before
bringing in food from home.
Who will make transportation arrangements
for residents who have appointments outside La Jolla Nursing & Rehabilitation
Center?
Our staff will assist you in making transportation arrangements.
What types of activities do you provide?
We post a monthly calendar which shows each day's schedule of activities
for our residents. These activities include (but are not limited to) the following:
Bingo, Music, Arts & Crafts, Outings, Cooking classes, Adult Education,
Movies, Petting Zoo, Speakers, Physical Fitness, Church Services, as well
as activities with our local schools.
May we bring family pets in to visit?
We love pets! Always notify the reception desk about your accompanied pet.
Please be sure your best friend is on a leash
