We anticipate our families to have many questions and we do understand.

Here are some of these often-asked questions:

Can Family work with therapy and the resident?
Of Course! We encourage a holistic view of each resident. 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. In addition there is a daily meeting for department heads to communicate any special or unique needs of a particular patient. We have monthly inservice training to keep our employees up to date.

What about someone who is underweight?
We have a Certified Dietary Manager to oversee our 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 88 – bed 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 reviewed. We have received superior evaluations on a consistent basis 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. Authorized 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 every Thursday with 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 contacted at the time of admission for medication orders, dietary requirements, and other considerations, and will visit patients shortly after admission. Physicians make a monthly visit for long-term care patients, and a physician is available 24-hours per day. We also have the added bonus of a Nurse Practitioner who is in the facility at least 2-3 times a week.

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 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 Certified Dietary Manager 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 Clinton House Center?
Our staff will assist in making arrangements. We do not have a van.

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! Please be sure your best friend is on a leash.