How do I decide what kind of care is right for myself or my loved one?
We know senior care options vary widely, and the choices can be overwhelming. You’ve already started the correct process by researching these options, planning ahead, and getting everyone involved all together.
What distinguishes Heritage Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation facilities from other acute care providers?
American Healthcare opened the first Heritage Hall more than 30 years ago with a simple vision to provide great quality care in a friendly family environment.
How will I find a therapy services provider for my loved one?
When your loved one's physician recommends therapy services, a discharge planner, the doctor or a member of the doctor's staff may suggest a few providers. Talking with these recommended providers will help determine which one will best meet the needs of your loved one.
Who determines what type of therapy services my family member needs?
Your family member's physician, in consultation with the center's licensed therapy staff, develops a rehabilitation program built on our Recovery Bridge™ program.
Why should I come to a facility for therapy vs. home health?
With home health care a therapist will come to your home at a specified time 2 to 3 times per week with the average treatment lasting 45 minutes. At our facilities, patients receive therapy up to 6 times a week and up to 3 hours a day depending on individual needs and activity tolerance. If a patient can only tolerate limited therapy in the morning or is not feeling well our therapist can return later to provide treatment. The equipment in our facilities surpasses any portable devices a home care therapist can carry with them. Aside from having speech, occupational and physical therapists under one roof, licensed nurses are just a page away for pain management or medical emergencies.
I'm caring for my loved one, but something has come up and now I need someone to take care of them while I am unavailable. Can Heritage Hall help?
Our facilities offer respite and short-term stay programs that enable home caregivers to take vacations or attend to needs at work or home. Your loved one will receive quality care in a comfortable and pleasant environment, surrounded by many opportunities to participate in activities and make new friends. Please contact the Director of Admissions at one of our facilities to discuss further.
How do I know if my loved one should go into a nursing home?
If your loved one requires help with daily activities such as eating, getting dressed, bathing, and using the bathroom a nursing home may help them greatly. Talk with their doctor, as well as other members of the healthcare team, family members, and close friends to judge whether nursing home care is best for your loved one.
Does admission into a nursing home require a physician's order?
Admission to a nursing home does not always require a physician’s order, but the order is a condition of payment for Medicare or Medicaid. Respite care could be provided and paid for privately without a physician’s order. Families usually work with their doctor to decide the right time to admit a loved one to a nursing home. Several factors―including age, diagnosis, medical history and abilities of the primary caregiver―play a part in that decision. Other times, the patient is admitted to a nursing home following a hospital stay. Ultimately, though, the decision to enter a nursing home lies with the patient and the family.
Who pays for nursing home care?
Most of us don't think about how to pay for nursing home care until the need arises. When you visit your local Heritage Hall, ask to speak with the Director of Admissions. They can help you determine which long-term care benefits your loved one may qualify for. Here are some options.
- Medicare benefits are available to millions of Americans, including those over age 65 and some people under 65 who are disabled or suffer from permanent kidney failure. Visit Medicare’s website for more information.
- Medicaid is an option for eligible low-income patients in need of long-term nursing care. Please visit the Medicaid website for more information.
- Many insurance companies and employers now offer long-term care insurance.
- Veterans benefits are available at some nursing homes through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For additional information visit our Medicare/Medicaid page.
What are the different levels of care available from Heritage Hall?
Heritage Hall facilities provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation care for those who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery and those who need medical support and supervision that can no longer be provided at home. To see what each facility offers please visit their page.
Can I come for a tour of the Heritage Hall?
We always welcome families into our home and encourage you to call your local facility to arrange a tour today. We can accommodate your schedule because we're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What types of safety measures are in place for residents who may wander?
Part of the admission process is to evaluate the resident for a risk of wandering. If our care team determines that a resident may have a tendency to wander, the care plan will include interventions to reduce the likelihood that the resident will wander. In some instances, a bracelet-type device is worn by the resident and an alarm system alerts the staff if the person tries to leave the building. Some of our facilities feature enclosed courtyards so that every resident can enjoy the outdoors. This type of courtyard is either enclosed by the building's exterior or a safety fence blocks the exit. We encourage our residents who tend to wander to participate in activities to keep them focused on an agenda other than wandering.
Can my loved one bring furniture from home for the room?
Residents may bring some personal items as long as they are approved and do not compromise the recovery period. Personal items that you can bring may also vary based on the kind of room you are in. Private rooms will have more room and more options to bring items than semi-private.
Is cable television available?
Resident room hookups are available in the locations that offer cable television service. There may be a fee attached at some facilities.
Do you offer telephone services for residents?
Residents may have private telephone service in their rooms, but the expense of the connection and the monthly bill may be charged to the resident. Also, each facility has a dedicated private area for the resident to use the phone as needed.
Who chooses my loved ones roommate in a semi-private room?
Before your loved one is accepted for admission into a nursing home, our Social Services Director will try to locate a room with someone who either shares his or her interests or has a similar background.
How often can I visit my loved one in the nursing home?
Our home is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you are always encouraged to visit. However, it's important to consider your loved ones health needs during this difficult time.
Will I be involved in the development of my loved one's care plan?
Yes, the development of each program involves the resident, his or her family, and the Heritage Hall team. Family members are also encouraged to participate in their loved one's regularly scheduled planning meetings.
Are therapy services covered under Medicare?
Therapy services are covered under Medicare if all eligibility and coverage requirements have been met. Please refer to Medicare/Medicaid page and links for more information. Link to Healthcare Resources section – Medicare/Medicaid page
Who do I call with questions?
Please call our facility number and you will be directed to the correct person to answer questions concerning your loved one. You may also contact the Administrator or the Director of Nursing directly.
Are couples allowed to live in the same room together?
Yes we often have couples living in the same room as long as it is safe.
Can my loved one go home for the weekend?
Yes, Medicaid recipients are allowed 18 days a year for LOA (vacation with family, holidays, etc,). Medicare residents can go out overnight, however, its discouraged because Medicare may question the need for in-patient skilled care if they are able to be away from care and services they may need overnight.
Do you have a barber/beautician?
Yes.
What skills do you emphasize in short-term care?
We stress basic daily living skills. They include eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming and going from sitting to standing.
What therapies do short-term patients receive?
Patients go through highly interactive therapies that enhance their recovery process, such as: • Physical therapy - Increases mobility and relieves pain • Speech therapy - Treats speech and swallowing disorders following a stroke • Occupational therapy - Improves a patient’s ability to perform daily living skills.
What role does your dietician play?
Because the relationship of food to healing is so critical, we: • Use the skills of a Registered Dietician to plan three nutritious meals a day plus snacks • Customize patients’ nutrition plans, as we customize their therapies • Use individualized menu cards to track their food preferences and needs.
I’m worried about the costs. How can you help?
We deal with financial issues every day. We help: • Coordinate benefits so you get all the help you’re entitled to • Deal with primary and supplemental insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.