David Brewer, L.P.N.

Are residents allowed to bring furnishings from home when they are admitted to the nursing facility?

We encourage residents to bring personal belongings when moving to Methodist.  Items such as a favorite chair, book shelf, family photos, floral arrangements and door wreaths are most helpful to define the space and make it feel familiar and comfortable. 

However, when moving keep in mind the available space.  Too much furniture may invade the space of the resident’s roommate if they share a room or could be a safety hazard to the resident or facility employees in case of an emergency.
                  

I understand that there are two phases or levels of care at Methodist Village could you explain the differences between the levels.

Debbie Satterfield, Administrator

Methodist Village is an independent living apartment complex for senior adults aged 62 years and older which offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments.  The Village is HUD approved and offers rent subsidies to those individuals whose income levels are low enough to qualify.  Methodist Village also offers its occupants emergency call system which is staffed 24 hours per day plus optional services such as Housekeeping & Laundry, daily recreational activities, Beauty Shop and noon meal service. 

The Nursing Home is a long term care nursing facility for individuals who require 24 hour nursing care and/or supervision with all care needs. The facility provides convalescence stays for those who are recovering from illness or surgery. The facility has Private and semi-private rooms.

Both facilities are unique and have special services and amenities available, please contact our business office for a tour and further information.

What's a typical day like a Nursing Home?

Brandie Simmons,
Activities Coordinator

As is the case with most of us, a typical day at Methodist begins with getting up, dressing, and having breakfast. Depending upon a resident's needs, professional care may include our nursing staff dispensing medications, and/or visits by our physical and speech therapy staff.
Morning activities such as “News & Brews” are popular with residents, when they get together to discuss current events over coffee.  For many, having lunch and dinner in the dining room provide opportunities for socialization. From time to time, meals turn into special events when musical entertainment is provided.
Visits from relatives and friends often occur and of course, there's a range of the other activities that many enjoy from reading and watching television to going outside to enjoy the weather.
A typical day depends upon the resident’s needs and interests. With the help of relatives, friends, and the nursing home staff each person can find fulfillment in their daily lives.

Will transferring my assets to my children or other family member affect my eligibility for nursing home Medicaid?

Carolyn McCall,
Administrative Assistant

When an individual applies for Medicaid the State will do what is called a "look back" to find transfers of assets.  The current look back is 36 months prior to the date the individual is admitted to a nursing facility or, if later, the date he or she applies for Medicaid. For certain trusts, this look-back period extends to 60 months. 
The penalty or disqualification period will result in denial of all Medicaid payments.   
Check with your county office or the CMS and Arkansas Medicaid website for future changes in these guidelines.

I would love to visit a nursing facility resident but I am unsure about what to say or do while there.

Here are a few tips to help get you started visiting with a person living in a long term care facility:

• 
  Brandie Simmons,
  Activities Coordinator

  Talk with the individual you visit, ask questions and opinions about current events, family, favorite sports, politics and similar topics. Whatever the topic, be sure you involve the individual in the conversation.

• Bring books or magazines – Large print are most appreciated, photo albums with family photos are also a favorite to strike up a conversation.

• Visit during one of the special facility planned activities and attend with the individual.

• If there are no food restrictions, bring a homemade treat such as cookies, a slice of pie or cake.

• If the individual is able it’s always a treat to go out for ice cream, a ride around town, to the shopping mall or home to visit family.

• Bring a few favorite things from home.  Such things as small mementos, hand-made afghan or quilt, but don’t bring items that could not be replaced if they get lost or broken.

When should I consider looking into nursing facility placement for a family member?

David Brewer, L.P.N.

Making the decision to admit a loved one to a nursing home is one of the most difficult steps to take for family members, so it is wise to find out what your options are before the need arrives.  

Start by assessing your loved one’s immediate needs and talking with their physician.  There are many options available today including our Village which is an independent living facility but offers a number of services and amenities.  Residential Care or Assisted Living facilities are available in the Fort Smith area which might meet your loved ones needs other than admission into a long term care facility.  

It’s most important that the individual have a physician which knows the current and past medical history.  Admission can not take place until a physician signs medication orders and provides the facility with a written history and physical.

Finally visit the facilities you are interested in for a tour.  Before you visit it’s a good idea to make a list of the questions you have, and if you need help with the questions, the internet is a valuable source for checklists to help guide you through the process.  You may also call our office for a free guide to selecting a nursing home.

My father’s physician says he doesn’t make rounds at a nursing home.  What does that mean and what can I do to get my father into a nursing facility if he doesn’t have a physician?

Lisa Green, R.N.

Nursing homes have regulations that require a resident to be seen by a physician on a regular basis.  Since your father’s physician does not make these routine rounds there are a couple of options available to you.

The first would be for your father to continue to see his current physician; he would simply go to the physician for his routine checkups.  A family member would be allowed to transport your father or you could choose to have the nursing facilities van scheduled to take him to his appointments. Another option would be for you to select another physician that does make rounds at the nursing facility.  Our Admissions Coordinator will be able to provide you a list of physicians that make routine rounds. 

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Carolyn McCall,
Administrative Assistant

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older and certain disabled people. Medicare will pay for short term nursing home care if the nursing home participates in the program.  The local Social Security Administration office takes applications for Medicare and provides general information about the program.
Medicaid is a medical assistance program jointly financed by state and federal governments for low-income individuals. Medicaid coverage and eligibility vary among states. Eligibility for nursing home care depends on both financial and non-financial criteria. An individual may apply for Medicaid at the county Department of Human Services (DHS) where the nursing home is located.

What is the role of a licensed social worker in a nursing home setting?

Linda Bradford, LSW

Social worker responsibilities vary widely in a nursing home setting.  Social workers seek to help residents function better in their environment, identify and scope with problems and improve relationships with others if needed.  Social workers may be distinguished from other ‘helping professionals,” including nurses and psychologists, through their knowledge of community resources, and their focus on client’s strengths.  Social workers focus on the social and emotional impact of physical or mental disabilities.  They provide residents and families with psychosocial support as they cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or Cancer.  Social workers keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards.  They participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments.  Social workers deliver mail to residents and assist them with reading mail as needed.  Social workers ensure that residents have copies of the facility policies and an explanation of the resident’s rights.  They maintain the confidentiality of the resident and their families at all times.