Free Resources

As a trusted health care provider, we have compiled the most up-to-date health care resources we could find to help our residents make the most informed decisions regarding their health care choices. We offer a Web page for frequently asked questions, and we have even included a checklist that allows you to compare various care communities and therapy options. And, if the information you need is not here, we will do our best to find it for you. Remember, we are here to help you and your family. Trust us for the information you need and the care you deserve.

Select a resource:

Therapy Care Community Comparison Checklist

Care Communities Comparison Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitions

Literature

Links

Therapy Care Community Comparison Checklist

There may be times when you will find you or a loved one are in need of therapy. This comparison checklist will assist you in comparing care community therapy services and making the best decision.

When selecting a care community for the therapy services you or a loved one need, it is important to visit the communities, ask the right questions, record their answers and then rationally compare them. This comparison checklist will help you do just that. It is also important to understand the three basic types of therapy services offered— occupational, physical and speech therapy.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy has a unique, diverse and important role in geriatric health care. Therapists seek to optimize the patients’ quality of life by improving their ability to perform activities of daily living, or ADLs. ADLs include tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring and home management responsibilities.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are dedicated to improving the patients’ quality of life by increasing mobility, decreasing pain, improving balance, enhancing strength and reducing joint contractures.

Speech Therapy
Speech therapy helps patients to better understand what is being communicated to them and to regain their verbal communication abilities. Speech therapy also assists in retraining patients to read and write. Additionally, in some cases, speech therapy can help patients whose communication ability may appear to be intact but the patient’s cognitive and linguistic functions are impaired.

Therapy Care Community Comparison Checklist Click here for printer friendly version of this chart.		(circle one)	(circle one)
Does the care community offer consistent occupational, physical, and speech therapists?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is therapy available seven days per week?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does the care community offer outpatient therapy?	Yes / No	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does the rehab program offer in-home assessments for a safe transition to home?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
If assistive equipment is needed, is it ordered by the care community prior to discharge?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are personalized home exercise programs developed for each patient prior to discharge?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are the therapists experienced in dealing with your medical condition?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are treatment schedules flexible and designed for the patient’s needs?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is family participation encouraged with treatment?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is family/caregiver education and support provided by the therapists?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No

Care Communities Comparison Checklist

You want to find the best care community for your loved one. The comparison checklist will assist you in comparing care communities and making the best decision.

Placing a loved one in a care community is one of the most difficult tasks a family member ever faces. But when it becomes necessary, prospective residents and their families should have the best information possible to make this decision.

To make the best decision, you should first speak with people you can trust and who may be able to provide valuable information about a particular facility, as well as the needs of the potential resident. Such people include family, friends, and health professionals.

Second, begin gathering basic information about the senior care communities you are considering. Keep in mind that location is important. Choosing a care community located close to family and friends will allow more time for visiting.

It is also important that you understand how financing will be handled for a stay at each care community.

Next, visiting the care community is one of the most important steps in the selection process, as it will allow you to comparison shop using the checklist we have provided. This will actually allow you to talk with the staff and the residents who receive care and live at the care community and keep a record of their answers. As you conduct your interviews, be sure to respect resident privacy. You may visit a care community during a scheduled tour, or you may also visit the care community unannounced.

Finally, let your senses guide you through your tour—sight, smell, touch, sound and taste—are all important factors. Use this checklist as a guide to note specific things about each care community you visit. Then you will have the information that will help you make an informed and best decision for your loved one, and you.

Care Communities Comparison Checklist Click here for printer friendly version of this chart.		(circle one)	(circle one)
general
Is the care community close to family and friends for visitation?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
What is the occupancy rate?
Is the care community certified by Medicare and Medicaid?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are visiting hours convenient for residents and visitors?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is the care community near a hospital that serves its residents?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
What is the deficiency rating of the care community?
care
Is a thoughtful approach used in selecting roommates?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are physical, occupational and speech therapies available?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Are care plan meetings held at times that are convenient for residents and family members to attend?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are families invited to participate in the plan of care?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are residents well-groomed?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does the care community provide the special service you may need? (dementia, behavior, ventilator, wound care, etc.)	Yes / No	Yes / No	Yes / No
resident rooms
How many residents share a bathroom?
Can residents bring personal belongings from home?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are the rooms clean?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are the rooms furnished?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does each resident have storage space in his or her room?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Can call lights be reached by each resident?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
environment
Is the care community odor-free?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does the care community appear clean and well-kept?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are exits clearly marked?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are noise levels in the dining room and other common areas comfortable?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are there quiet areas where residents can visit with family and friends?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
menus and food
Do residents have a choice of food items at each meal?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are nutritious snacks available?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is resident assistance available during mealtimes if needed?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does a dietitian plan menus for residents on special diets?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Can residents eat in their rooms if they so choose?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
activities
Are rooms available for resident activities?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is there a variety of activities available for residents?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Are outdoor areas available for residents’ use?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
staff
Does the relationship between the staff and the residents appear to be warm, polite and respectful?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Does the staff knock on the door before entering a resident’s room and refer to the residents by name?	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is there a care provider available to coordinate personal needs? (errands, physician appointments, etc.)	Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No
Is there significant turnover in the facility care staff?	No	Yes / No	Yes / No
costs
What is the rate?
What services does it cover?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click here for a printer-friendly version of the Nursing & Rehabilitative Care FAQs.

Beginning the search for a nursing or rehabilitative care community can be a very emotional and difficult process. Along with your search, certainly come many questions and concerns. Being a care provider for over 30 years, HCF has experts in all disciplines of care that are prepared to answer your questions. The care community you choose will have a profound impact on your loved one’s quality of life and sense of dignity. Whether you are making a decision during a crisis or planning ahead, be sure to keep the resident involved in the decision making as much as possible. When you compare care communities, some factors are more important then others. While we try to be the best care community, remember that no nursing community will be perfect for everyone.

What to consider when selecting an HCF care community.

Q: What is an HCF care community?

An HCF care community is a residential center that provides 24-hour, skilled, medical, personal and social services to individuals requiring continual care, as well as short-term stays for rehabilitative services.

Q: When should an HCF care community be considered?

Consideration should be given to placing a loved one in a care community when they can no longer live independently, or if intensive short-term rehabilitative care is required. If the individual requires continual assistance with most activities of daily living, such as getting out of bed, eating, bathing, dressing and using the bathroom, it may be time to talk with his or her physician about an HCF care community.

Q: How will we know which HCF care community to choose?

There are many decisions to consider when selecting a care community. We suggest you utilize our free Care Community Checklist in our Resource section.

Q: Does admission into an HCF care community require a physician’s order?

Yes. Families usually work with their physician to decide the right time to admit a loved one to a care community.

Q: What are the ways in which an individual can be admitted to an HCF care community?

a. From the Hospital: A discharge planner or social worker is the usual liaison between the hospital and the care community and the family. The discharge planner or social worker will provide care community selections to the family that are appropriate for the type of care that is needed. However, the family is encouraged to tour the facilities and become acquainted with the services available.

b. From Home: Through word of mouth, yellow pages, Internet searches etc., you will be able to locate the various care communities in your area. Contact the care communities, or stop by for a tour and to identify if the care community meets your needs.

c. From Another Care or Assisted Living Community: When an individual is transferred from another facility because of changing care needs, dissatisfaction, or location concerns, inform the administrator of your plans to transfer the individual.

Q: How are services in HCF care communities paid for? There are several options available which are dependent on each situation.

1. Private Pay: An individual pays for the services out of his or her own resources.

2. Medicare: Medicare covers the cost of a care community stay only under certain circumstances. The criteria are as follows:

a. The individual requires skilled care.
b. The care is provided only after a three (or more) day hospital stay for treatment of the same illness or condition that was treated in the hospital.
c. The care community is a Medicare-approved skilled nursing facility with a registered nurse on duty 24-hours a day.
d. The patient is assigned to a bed that is Medicare-certified for reimbursement.
e. Only a care community can provide the skilled care required.
f. Even if these criteria are met, Medicare only covers the costs of care for up to 20 days. An additional 80 days may be provided on a co-payment basis. For additional information on Medicare, visit Medicare.gov.
g. Certified by physician if skilled care required.

3. Medicaid:

a. Medicaid regulations allow care to be provided for those who do not have the means.

4. Veterans Administration: If the individual is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces, it will be to your advantage to investigate services available through the Veterans Administration.

5. Long Term Care Insurance: Long Term Care Insurance is becoming more common. Each individual policy varies and should be discussed with your financial advisor for coverage benefits.

Q:. Is a physician available in an emergency?

Yes.

Q: Are personal physicians allowed?

Yes.

Q: How are residents and families involved in care plans?

Care plans begin with a comprehensive assessment of the resident, including level of function and social, mental and medical condition. The plan should focus on maximizing independence and functioning at the highest level possible. The care plan is revised every quarter or whenever the resident’s condition changes. Families are invited and encouraged to participate in the quarterly care plan sessions.

Q: Are other medical services available (i.e., dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, etc.)?

Yes.

Q: Is a licensed nurse always available?

Yes, licensed nurses are on staff in our HCF care communities 24 hours a day.

Q: Does a dietitian plan menus for residents on special diets?

Yes.

Q: Are barbers and beauticians available?

Yes.

Q: Who are the providers of primary services?

All of our staff are professionally trained and licensed where required. The primary caregivers consist of:

a. Professional Nurses: provide, and ensure the adequacy and appropriateness of the medical services provided to the residents.

b. Activities Professional: a trained professional who is designated to assess residents’ individual needs and create programs that provide recreation, entertainment and therapy for residents.

c. Social Service Staff: consists of social workers who assist residents in coping with the psychological aspects of aging.

d. Food Service Supervisor: oversees the care community’s daily meal program.

e. Environmental Services: oversee the environment, housekeeping, laundry, and maintain a clean and safe care community for the resident, families and staff.

f. Administrative Services: oversee the daily operational functions.

Q: What kind of room will the resident have and what will their roommate be like?

Private-single room
Semiprivate-double room
(Every effort is made to match compatible personalities and interests in our semiprivate rooms.)

Q: What items should be brought to the care community?

Upon admission, a Hospitality Guide is provided to each resident and family to help them identify items that will be needed during their stay.

Q: Can I bring food from home for my loved one during their stay in the care community?

Yes. Before you bring your loved one’s favorite food into the care community, check with the nursing staff because many residents must follow special diets for health reasons.

Q: How often can I visit my loved one in the care community?

Our care communities are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you are always encouraged to visit.

Q: Do I do the laundry for my loved one?

Laundry services are provided for the residents.

Q: Is my loved one allowed to bring their favorite pet?

Each HCF care community has individualized guidelines for pets.

Q: Do I bring my loved one’s medicine with them?

No.

Q: Do you provide transportation to outside follow-up appointments?

Arrangements can be made for outside appointments.

Q: What type of activities are provided and are we invited to participate?

HCF care communities offer two types of activities: therapeutic and entertainment. Therapeutic programs are programs that are designed to meet the social, and medical needs of each resident and can be provided in a group or individualized setting. Entertainment activities are provided for socialization and entertainment purposes.

Q: Can I take my loved one out for the day, and how long can they be gone?

Yes, if medically appropriate and approved by the attending physician. Please contact the appropriate HCF care community personnel to determine how long loved ones can be out of the center.

Q: How often are meals served, can I eat with my loved one, and are snacks available?

Meals are served based upon the dietary needs of the resident. Snacks are available.

Definitions

Making the right health care decisions is imperative to the well-being of our residents and their families. In the confusing health care world, new terms can often overwhelm residents who simply don’t understand health care’s unique terminology. Listed below are many of the terms you’ll hear when discussing you or your loved one’s care as a resident at our care community. It’s our hope that this knowledge will help you, your family and our dedicated staff communicate effectively when discussing your stay with us.

ADLs - Activities of daily living.

Ambulatory Care - Outpatient medical services (not provided in a hospital).

Assisted Living - is a special combination of housing and personalized supportive services, designed to respond to an individual’s needs. The needs can range from socialization to activities of daily living to medication administration or special diets.

CMS - The federal agency responsible for Medicaid and Medicare; part of the US Department of Health and Human Services/HHS.

Dual-Eligibles - People who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.

DME/Durable Medical Equipment - Necessary medical equipment that is not disposable; for example, wheelchairs, walkers, ventilators, commodes.

Enrollee - Person (consumer) who is covered under a health insurance plan, whether fee-for-service or managed care.

Formulary - List of approved prescription medications which health plan pays for.

Gatekeeper - Person, usually a primary care physician, designated by health plan to decide what services will be provided and paid for; approves all referrals, sometimes coordinates care.

HMO/Health Maintenance Organization - Health plan that requires its enrollees to use only certain health providers and hospitals, usually those within its own network.

MCO/Managed Care Organization - Health organization, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, that finances and delivers health care using a specific provider network and specific services and products.

Medicaid - Federal program (Title XIX of the Social Security Act) that pays for health services for certain categories of people who are poor, elderly, blind, disabled, or who are enrolled in certain programs, including Medicaid Waivers. Includes children whose families receive assistance. Is financed with federal and state funds, amount varying by state.

Medicare - Title XX of the Social Security Act which pays for health care for the elderly and adults who are disabled.

Medical Necessity - Legal term used to determine eligibility for health benefits and services. It describes services that are consistent with a diagnosis, meet standards of good medical practice.

Occupational Therapy - Therapists seek to optimize the patients’ quality of life by improving their ability to perform activities of daily living, or ADLs. ADLs include tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring and home management responsibilities.

PHO/Physician Hospital Organization - Organization that includes hospitals and physicians contracting with one or more HMOs, insurance plans, or directly with employers to provide medical services.

PHP/Prepaid Health Plan - Health organization that receives prepaid capitation payments for a select set of benefits; for example, physician services or lab tests.

Physical Therapy - Therapists seek to improve the patients’ quality of life by increasing mobility, decreasing pain, improving balance, enhancing strength and reducing joint contractures.

POS/Point of Service Plan - Health plan whose members can choose their services when they need them, either in the HMO or from a provider outside the HMO at some cost to the member. Or a plan in which the primary provider directs services and referrals.

PPO/Preferred Provider Organization - Managed care organization (MCO) that contracts with a network of providers who deliver services for set fees, usually at a discount to the MCO. PPOs usually sell to insurers and employers and do not assume insurance risk.

Quality Assurance - Monitoring and improving health care, either an individual plan or broad health systems review, in a consistent and organized way.

Rehabilitation - To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education.

Reinsurance - Insurance purchased by a health plan to protect against extremely high medical costs, either for specific groups or individuals.

SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility)/Skilled Care Community - where skilled nursing and related services are provided to residents; a nursing home.

Speech Therapy (speech pathology) - Speech therapy helps patients to better understand what is being communicated to them and to regain their verbal communication abilities. Speech therapy also assists in retraining patients to read and write. Additionally, in some cases, speech therapy can help patients whose communication ability may appear to be intact but the patient’s cognitive and linguistic functions are impaired.

Literature

Knowledge is power. That’s why the HCF Family of Care Communities empowers residents and their families with its own series of free brochures that turn confusing medical information into easy-to-understand help guides. Each brochure answers questions concerning the health care choices facing residents, including tips on visiting friends and relatives at the facility, to caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s our way of helping you make the most informed choices in your medical care. We stock many guides and pamphlets, including:

Care Community Comparison Checklist	Therapy Care Community Comparison Checklist	Care Community Brochures
Caring for Someone with Alzheimers By AHCA	Moving into an Assisted Living Residence: Making a Successful Transition By NCAL	Choosing an Assisted Living Residence By NCAL
Choosing a Nursing Facility By AHCA	Paying for Long Term Care By AHCA	Understanding Long Term Care Insurance By AHCA
A Family Guide: Making the Transition to Nursing Home Life By AHCA	Tips on Visiting Friends and Relatives By AHCA	Having the Conversation About Long Term Care By AHCA

To request literature, call or email HCF at:

HCF Management, Inc.
1100 Shawnee Road
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 999-2010
(419) 999-6284 (fax)
E-mail: David.Walsh@HCFManagement.com

Links