A Skilled Nursing Facility How To Choose...

Choosing a skilled nursing facility for someone can be a bewildering and challenging task. This is understandable. Finding the appropriate skilled nursing facility, with the required services and most desirable atmosphere that best fits a loved one’s needs, requires a tremendous amount of fact gathering. This guide is intended to provide you with a starting point in your search.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY IS NEEDED?

If an individual needs 24-hour care and supervision, a skilled nursing facility is probably the best answer.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, CONTACT

WWW.MEDICARE.GOV

To ensure that you are seen in a timely manner, it is suggested that you call ahead to schedule an initial appointment and make sure to bring:

• Copy of Social Security Card

• Medicare Card

• Insurance Card

• Life Insurance Policies

• Pre-paid Burial Policies

• Verification of income and ALL resources

WHAT ABOUT REHABILITATION AND OTHER SPECIALIZED SERVICES?

A quality skilled nursing facility provides full onsite rehabilitation therapies and special services such as:

*Physical Therapy

*Speech Therapy

*Occupational Therapy

*Wound Care

IS FAMILY SUPPORT AVAILABLE?

Making the decision to have a loved-one stay in a skilled nursing facility can be difficult to cope with for many people. Many needlessly experience guilt and fear. However, the social services staff works with the entire family to offer guidance and counseling during what can be an emotionally trying time.

Once families get to feel comfortable with a quality skilled nursing facility, they discover that the old image of skilled nursing facilities no longer applies. Then they come to realize that they have made the right decision to have their loved one cared for in a setting that best suits their needs.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES SHOULD WE LOOK FOR IN A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY?

You should look for specific qualities that will add to your loved-one’s quality of life, such as:

*24-hour Skilled Nursing Care

*Staff Physicians on site, or on call

*Full Range of Medical Specialists available

*Personalized Nutrition

*24-Hour Security

*Transportation for Residents

*Activities Program: Onsite and Off Campus

General Conditions

*Do they admit and provide services without regard to race, color, creed, sex, national origin or source of payment?

*Is the facility clean and orderly?

*Is the facility reasonably free of unpleasant odors?

*Is the facility well lighted?

*Are the rooms well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature?

Safety Considerations

*Are there smoke detectors, a sprinkler system and emergency lighting in every room?

*Are there portable fire extinguishers?

*Are the exits clearly marked and illuminated?

*Is there maintenance staff available to provide immediate service?

Medical Services

*In case of medical emergencies is a physician available at all times, either on staff or on call?

*Is emergency transportation readily available?

*Does a qualified pharmacist maintain and monitor a record of each resident’s drug therapy?

MISSION:

Life Care Centers of America is committed to being a premier providing of long-term healthcare. It is our desire to be the facility of choice in any community in which we operate. Our programs, services and facilities must be designed and operatd with superior quality in order to satisfy the needs of our customers.

VALUES:

To Residents:

•We believe our residents are our highest priority.

•We believe in the preservation of dignity, self-respect and resident rights in a living and caring environment.

•We believe in the resident-centered approach to care in which the total needs of the residents are met. The resident’s family is encouraged to become closely involved with the center in meeting the resident’s needs.

Important Points To Consider

Here’s a checklist of important points to consider in selecting a skilled nursing facility:

• Are they certified to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs?

•Do they have a state license or letter of approval from a licensing agency?

•If the resident requires specialized services are they provided? (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy...)

•Is the general atmosphere warm, pleasant and cheerful?

•Do the residents look well cared for and content?

• Are the staff members cheerful, courteous and enthusiastic?

•Do the residents, visitors and volunteers speak favorably about the facility?

Decatur Wellness and Rehabilitation Center is askilled nursing facility. We strive to be a top provider in Meigs County,continuously focused on quality measures, as well as patient care and satisfaction.

Our services include:

Skilled Nursing

Long-Term Care

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Speech Therapy

Private Suites

Semi-Private Rooms

TherapyGym with Home Simulations

AlaCarte Menu

Alternate Menu for Patient Preference

In-house Beauty Shop

Daily Life Enrichment Activities

Loving, Compassionate Staff

Quality preventive care is essential to good health. It’swhy we’re here, close to home, providing compassionate, individualized care to folks of all ages. So you, your family,and our entire community can allbetheir very best.

Enhanced cleaning, masking requirements and social distancing to help keep yousafe.