FAQs

Our frequently asked questions provide insights into our post-hospital care and services, covering topics like accommodation, activities, and socialization opportunities. This information will help you make informed decisions about our facility.

Are there extra charges for other services, like beauty shop services?

Yes, there may be additional charges for specific services beyond primary care. These charges are typically associated with optional or specialized services that go beyond the  primary care provided. Examples of services that may have additional charges include, but are not limited to:

  • Beauty shop services
  • Personal grooming services
  • Non-essential medical supplies

Are there options for short-term or respite stays?

Yes, we offer short-term and respite stay options for individuals seeking temporary care and support. Whether recovering from surgery or illness or requiring additional assistance, our facility provides a welcoming environment for short-term stays. Short-term or respite stays are beneficial for various individuals, including those:

  • Recovering from surgery or medical procedures
  • Needing temporary assistance during a caregiver’s absence
  • Seeking a trial period before committing to long-term care

Services included in a short-term or respite stay may encompass various aspects of care, including:

  • Skilled nursing care
  • Assistance with activities of daily living
  • Medication management
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Access to amenities and social activities

Are there resident policies I must follow? Will I get a written copy of these policies?

Residents are expected to adhere to certain policies and guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful living environment for everyone. These policies cover various aspects of resident life, including care, safety, and community standards. Resident policies may cover a range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Code of conduct
  • Visitation guidelines
  • Safety and security protocols
  • Medication management
  • Smoking and alcohol policies
  • Use of common areas

Each resident will receive a written copy of the resident policies upon admission. It is important for residents to review these policies carefully to understand the expectations and guidelines that contribute to a positive living experience.

Are you Medicare/Medicaid certified?

Yes, our facility is Medicare-certified. This means that we meet the federal standards required to provide services covered by Medicare. Our Medicaid-certified facility allows eligible individuals to receive coverage for their long-term care services. Depending on their circumstances, residents may be eligible to use both Medicare and Medicaid. Our staff can assist in understanding and navigating these programs. You can verify our Medicare certification by visiting the CMS Medicare.gov website.

Can I still see my doctor? If needed, does the facility help arrange transportation for this purpose

Residents are encouraged to continue seeing their doctors while at the facility. Maintaining continuity of care with your doctor is important; our healthcare team supports residents in coordinating these visits. Residents can schedule appointments with their doctors independently or with assistance from our healthcare team. If needed, our staff can help facilitate the scheduling process to ensure convenient access to medical care. Our facility assists in arranging transportation for residents to see their doctors. Our staff can coordinate transportation services to ensure residents have a convenient and safe means of reaching their medical appointments.

Can individual dietary needs/preferences be accommodated? How are meal planning and dietary needs accommodated?

We provide personalized and nourishing meals that meet our residents’ individual dietary needs and preferences. Our culinary team works closely with healthcare professionals to create customized meal plans. We can accommodate various dietary needs, including but not limited to:

  • Allergies
  • Dietary restrictions (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic-friendly)
  • Cultural or religious preferences
  • Texture modifications (e.g., pureed or chopped)

Can residents bring personal belongings or furniture from home?

Absolutely! We understand that familiar furnishings can make a significant difference in feeling comfortable and at home. Residents are welcome to bring their furniture to personalize their space. However, please note that for safety and compliance reasons, all personal furniture must fit comfortably in the designated space and adhere to our facility’s guidelines. We recommend discussing the size and type of furniture you wish to bring with our staff beforehand to ensure a smooth transition.

Can residents participate in social activities and outings?

We encourage and support residents’ participation in various social activities and outings as an integral part of their well-being. Our facility provides a diverse range of social activities, which can include:

  • Group games and puzzles
  • Arts and crafts sessions
  • Music and entertainment events
  • Exercise classes
  • Movie nights
  • Social gatherings and celebrations

Residents are regularly informed about upcoming activities through our activity calendars, bulletin boards, and announcements. Our staff also communicates directly with residents, ensuring they have the information they need to participate in activities of interest.

Do you conduct patient/family satisfaction surveys?

Yes, we regularly conduct satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and assess the experiences of residents and their families. In addition to satisfaction surveys, we welcome feedback at any time. Residents and families can share their thoughts, concerns, or suggestions directly with our staff, through suggestion boxes, or during family conferences.

Satisfaction surveys are typically conducted within 72 hours after discharge. The discharge surveys are administered through phone interviews.  The satisfaction surveys cover a range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Quality of care
  • Staff interactions
  • Facility cleanliness
  • Communication effectiveness
  • Overall resident experience

Do you have a family/resident council?

Yes, our resident council fosters communication, collaboration, and advocacy among residents, families, and the facility’s administration. The resident council is a forum for open communication, feedback, and collaboration between residents, their families, and the facility’s administration. The resident council typically meets regularly, and the frequency may vary based on the needs and preferences of the participants. Meetings are inclusive and provide opportunities for active engagement.

How can I tour?

We offer both in-person and virtual tours for the convenience of our prospective residents and their families. You can choose the option that best suits your preferences and circumstances. To schedule a tour, contact our admissions office. Our staff will assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit and provide information about what to expect during the tour.

How is communication maintained between staff, residents, and their families?

Families can stay updated through regular communication channels, including:

  • Scheduled family meetings can be scheduled regularly to discuss various topics, including updates on the resident’s health, care plans, and any changes in medication or treatment. These meetings provide an opportunity for families to ask questions and provide feedback.
  • Direct communication with the resident’s assigned care team

How is the admission process structured, and what documents are required for admission?

Our admission process is designed to be smooth and supportive. It typically involves an initial assessment, completion of necessary paperwork, and collaboration with healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care plan for the resident. The following documents are typically required for admission:

  • Personal identification (driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID)
  • Health insurance information
  • Medicare/Medicaid card (if applicable)
  • Advanced directives or living will
  • Recent medical records, including physician orders and medication lists
  • Power of attorney or legal guardianship documents (if applicable)
  • Financial information for billing purposes

Is the facility licensed and accredited?

Yes, our facility is fully licensed. It signifies our commitment to providing quality care and services. Accreditation involves additional scrutiny, demonstrating our dedication to meeting stringent national standards for healthcare quality. Accreditation is a voluntary process that goes beyond basic licensing requirements. It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in care, and adherence to industry best practices.

Is there a policy on visitors during flu season or other health emergencies?

Yes, to ensure the health and safety of our residents, we may implement specific visitor guidelines during flu season or other health emergencies. These measures are designed to prevent the spread of illnesses within our facility. From October to April, our flu policy is: In accordance with CDC and Federal recommendations, we strongly encourage all visitors and staff to wear a mask before entry. We also provide regular updates on our COVID outbreak status on our website to keep our residents, their families, and the community informed.

Is there a rehabilitation program for residents recovering from surgery or illness?

Our skilled nursing facility offers a comprehensive post-hospital rehabilitation program to support residents and guests in recovering from surgery or illness. Our goal is to help individuals regain independence and improve overall well-being. The rehabilitation program is tailored to address a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Orthopedic injuries
  • Neurological disorders
  • Stroke recovery
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Chronic illnesses impacting mobility

What are your visitation policies? Are there specific visiting hours for family and friends?

The Facility’s recommended visitation hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. subject to:

1) A resident’s request and consent for visitation outside of the recommended hours.

2) The rights of other residents; and

3) The Facility’s reasonable clinical and safety restrictions

What is your fax number?

605.343.8284

What types of therapy services are available?

Our facility provides a comprehensive range of therapy services to meet the diverse needs of our residents. Our therapy services are personalized based on each resident’s unique needs and goals. Therapists conduct individual assessments to develop tailored treatment plans that address specific challenges and support overall well-being.

The types of therapy services available include:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech-Language Therapy

Will I get preventive care to stay healthy? Are eye doctors, ear doctors, and podiatrists available, or does the facility help arrange for me to see specialists like these?

We work with a network of healthcare professionals, including eye doctors, ear doctors, and podiatrists, to address residents’ specific health needs. These specialists are available to provide evaluations, consultations, and necessary treatments. Our healthcare team assists residents in making arrangements to see specialists when needed. This may include scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, and ensuring residents can access the necessary healthcare services. The frequency of check-ups with specialists may vary based on individual needs and health conditions. Our healthcare team assesses residents’ needs and collaborates with specialists to create personalized care plans, including regular check-ups when necessary.

Will I have access to the internet, a computer, a personal phone, and television?

Residents have access to the internet. We provide Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure residents can stay connected with their loved ones, access online resources, and engage in virtual activities. Residents have access to television in their rooms and common areas. We offer a variety of channels for entertainment, and residents are welcome to bring their own devices, such as streaming devices, to enhance their viewing options. Residents are welcome to bring their computers or devices. Our facility supports personal devices, allowing residents to use their preferred technology for communication, entertainment, and other activities, and it can be locked in a nightstand or given to our social service department for safekeeping.

Will I have storage space (closet and drawers) in my room?

Yes, each resident’s room has storage space to ensure convenience and organization. This includes a closet for hanging garments and drawers for folded clothing and personal items. It is advisable to consider the available space and ensure it remains comfortable and clutter-free.

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HIPAA Policy – Avantara Saint Cloud

Phone: (605) 343-4738 302 St Cloud St, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701 Fax: (605) 343-8284