Long Term Care


Northwood Deaconess Health Center nursing home consists of 67 beds.  We have 2 double rooms, 36 private rooms with a bathroom shared between two residents and 27 private rooms with private bathrooms. (have pictures of the different rooms here)

 

We are located on a single campus along with a hospital, clinic, optometrist, and rehab services department.  Each resident can choose to see a provider on campus or they can continue seeing their own provider.  (show pictures of the facility and providers if able)

 

Transportation for medical services is provided by the facility if the family is unable to assist.  The family may accompany the resident on the van if they desire and if there is space available. (show picture of the van)

 

Services:

 Services included in the daily room rate are: room, board, laundry, housekeeping, maintenance, nursing, activities, social services, chaplain services, routine hair care and business office assistance.  Restorative therapy and therapy equipment are also included.  List of Routine Drugs, Supplies & Durable Medical Equipment.

(can we have a link to List of Routine Drugs, Supplies & Durable Medical Equipment here?)

Services not included in the daily room rate are: medications from the pharmacy, physician charges, private telephone lines, cable television, non-routine hair care (e.g. perms, coloring, etc.).  Our rooms are equipped with telephone and cable television wall jacks.  In order to receive those services, each resident must contract with each provider for the service.  There are separate charges for each service.  Our telephone service provider is Qwest and the cable television provider is MLGC.  The resident must also provide their own television and telephone.

Financial Impact:

 Admission to the nursing home is usually an unexpected, stressful event for both the potential resident and their family.  The majority of residents are admitted to Northwood Deaconess Health Center after a medical crisis or sudden change in condition at home.  It can be an overwhelming and emotional time. 

 The financial impact that nursing home placement can have on a resident and spouse can be significant.  The cost of nursing home care is determined on an individual basis, dependent upon the needs and services provided to the resident.  An assessment to determine a residents needs is completed by day 14. 

 Nursing Home Insurance:

 If you have long term care insurance, contact your agent or the insurance company to find out what is required to make a claim.  Every insurance policy is different.  We will do our best to work with you and your insurance company to get claims processed as quickly as possible.

 Medicare:

 After a three-day hospital stay, it is possible that Medicare will pay for a portion of a nursing home stay.  In order to qualify for a Medicare stay, you will need to be receiving a “skilled service”.  Skilled services can include, but are not limited to, the following:  physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, daily dressing changes, newly diagnosed insulin dependent diabetic, tube feedings, new colostomy during the early post operative period, resident education, stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcer, etc.  Nursing staff will do their best to ensure a resident receives the Medicare services they are entitled to.  The resident and/or family will be given 2 days notice once it is determined they are no longer eligible for Medicare.

 Medical Assistance:

 When a resident’s finances are becoming depleted, they have the option of applying for North Dakota Medical Assistance (Medicaid).  Medicaid is a state-funded program to assist with paying medical bills for individuals with limited income and assets.  Applications are available by contacting the County Social Service agency in the resident’s county of legal residence.  If you have questions about being eligible, please contact an eligibility worker in your county.

 

Grand Forks County Social Services              -           701-787-8535

Nelson County Social Services           -           701-247-2945

Steele County Social Services            -           701-534-2584

Traill County Social Services -           701-436-5220

 

Other County numbers are available in the NDHC Social Service office

 

Spousal Impoverishment

 The Medicare Catastrophe Coverage Act of 1988 requires nursing facilities and swing bed facilities to advise residents and their families that an asset assessment is available upon request at the county social service office in the county where you live.  The purpose of this requirement is to allow your spouse, who is still living in the community, to keep allowed assets that would normally be used to pay for nursing home care.

 If you meet the following criteria, we encourage you to request an asset assessment:

1.      If you are likely to be admitted to a nursing facility or swing bed for at least a full calendar month. And,

2.      If you have a spouse living in the community.

 Do not wait until you think you may be eligible for Medicaid.  The amount of assets you have at the time of admission is the amount that needs to be assessed.  Documentation showing ownership, interest, and current value of assets will need to be provided.  There is no charge for the assessment.