A GUIDE TO THE
ADMISSION PROCESS
Step One
Meet with a Nurse Health Care Coordinator
The first step is for our Nurse Health Care Coordinator to schedule an assessment—in order to create an individualized plan of care, tailored to suit the specific requirements of the resident. A care plan is essential from a health and medical perspective. Most seniors require assistance with Activities of Daily Living, or ADL’s and we use a point system to determine the assistance they require vs. what they can do independently. Since the level of care is directly tied to care cost, it needs to be specific. More importantly, all needs are addressed and no stone is left unturned. We want to provide a lifestyle where our residents can strive to be as independent as possible, while still receiving the physical and emotional assistance they require.
Step Two
Appointment with Primary Care Physician
The second step to this process is to schedule an appointment for a physical with their primary care physician. The resident history and physical, provided by the doctor, will act as a road map—enabling us to tailor the care in such a way that the residents needs are met. The H & P completed by the physician will also determine if a cognitive assessment is required for memory care placement. This may impact the residents choice of community, since not all communities have memory care.
Additionally, before admittance, a new resident will receive a tuberculosis screening. This is then followed up by an evaluation of their prescriptions—for administration purposes, and dietary requirements, as well as any medical equipment, physical therapy or home health orders. Ideally this information should be provided to our clinical staff at least 72 hours prior to admission—but no more than 30 days outside of the admission date.
Step Three
Documentation Requirements
Your community will also provide admission documentation,—to be completed by a family member or caregiver, the resident or other designated responsible party. The packet contains a social data sheet that will provide us with information about former occupations, religious preferences, activities of interest, family relationships and dynamics, and a 24-hour calendar relating to what a typical day consists of for them. Our goal is to accommodate the residents’ specific requirements, rather than simply having them conform to our systems and preferences.
Other documentation includes contact data and demographics, acknowledgement of standard operating procedures—such as fire and safety plan, orientation, resident rights, community responsibilities, and a release of information request. At this time we will also request copies of insurance cards, Power of Attorney documents and DNR orders, if applicable.
Step Four
Choosing Services
The resident will have the choice of opting in or out of services, such as the opportunity to make salon appointments or seeing a beautician. Depending on the community, some even offer podiatry, dental and psychological consultations for medications.
Step Five
Room Inspection Prior to
Move-in
The staff will schedule a time with the family member(s) and/or resident to inspect the room prior to move-in and arrange for furniture delivery etc. During this visit we will cover the topic of what to expect upon admission and possibly schedule lunch with the family, in order for them to become acquainted with the staff. This will help to ensure that the admission goes well—and is a positive experience for everyone involved.