FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)

Q: What is the visiting policy and hours?

A: Our Care Centers are open to all family and friends each and everyday. We encourage you to visit frequently. We do not have set visiting hours however; some of our Care Centers have posted suggested visiting hours between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you prefer visits before or after these hours, please let our staff members know. Our Care Center doors may be locked after-hours for the safety and well-being of the residents, staff members and visitors.

Q: May we bring family pets to visit?

A: Pets are welcome in our facilities; however, you will be required to provide proof of your pet's immunizations. Also we request that you pet is on a leash if applicable. For more information, please check with the Administrator at your Care Center.

Q: Why would I need Skilled Nursing Care?

A: A physician has determined that you or your loved one requires daily inpatient skilled nursing services and/or therapy as part of a recovery plan. Our Care Centers specialize in short-term rehabilitative care, short-term inpatient care, and long-term care.

Q: Do you offer Respite Care?
A: Yes, our Care Centers offers respite care. Current rates and facility information can be obtained from our Admission Coordinators from each of our Care Centers.

Q: Who will be the attending physician in the Care Center?

A: Most primary care physicians do not "follow" their patients while they are in Skilled Nursing facility or in an acute care hospital. Several physicians, however, are associated with each of our care centers. If you are a member of a health plan, that plan may determine who your physician will be. If you are not a health plan member, the facility will assign a physician to "follow" you while in our Care Center.

Q: How often does the physician visit?

A: Upon admission the physician is notified of your arrival. The physician will verify medication orders, dietary requirements, therapy orders and other medical needs a new resident may require. Physicians are required to visit within 72 hours after a skilled nursing admission to the Care Center. Depending on the need of the resident the physician may visit often. The physician is required to visit monthly for long-term care residents.

Q: What if a consultation for other health care services is needed?

A: Each Care Center is contracted with many Service Alliance Providers including but not limited to the following: Audiologist, Psychiatry, Psychology, Dentistry, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Podiatry, X-ray services, Optometry, Ophthalmology, Dermatology and Respiratory Therapy.

Q: How many days do residents receive therapy?

A: The amount of therapy a resident may receive will vary from resident to resident. The right amount of therapy received by the resident is determined upon two factors; how much the resident can tolerate per therapy session and how much progress is made by the resident in each session. In the case of HMO patients the therapy levels received is determined by the HMO.

Q: Can I leave the Care Center to go home on a visit or to go on an outing?

A: Residents that are medically stable are encouraged to leave the Care Center's for short visits. However, these visits must be approved by the physician and in some cases must meet the insurance guidelines for Therapeutic Leave. The activity departments of each Care Center schedules occasional outings for residents and family members and friends are encouraged to participate.

Q: Is there transportation services for follow-up appointments with doctors?

A: Yes, most Care Centers in the Avalon Group have vans utilized for transportation. In cases were the van is not available, the Social Service Director will make transportation arrangements. If an outside resource is used for transportation, you may be responsible for the cost of the transport if it is not covered by your insurance carrier.

Q: How is the food?

A: Our Care Centers pride themselves in the great food they provide to their residents. Delicious Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided daily. Avalon also provides Select Dining, alternative menus and special diets overseen by a Dietician.

Q: Who do I contact if I have Dietary Concerns?

A: Each Care Center has a Dietary Director and a Dietician that is available to discuss concerns, food preferences, and dietary need with the resident and their family members. Our Regional Dieticians monitor each resident's dietary requirements.

Q: What should I bring for my stay?

A: We recommend bringing at least five (5) days of clothing with the following items included: comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is washable; cotton/poly blended shirts, pants and sweat suits, tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes, jacket and/or sweater, several pairs of underwear, socks, sleepwear, robe and non-skid slippers. Make sure each article of clothing and shoes have been clearly marked or labeled with the new resident's name in permanent ink. We would also suggest bringing a favorite bed pillow, blanket and family pictures to make the transition more comfortable and familiar.

Q: Who does the residents' laundry?

A: Each Care Center offers laundry services. However, you may choose to have family members do your personal laundry.

Q: Who do I contact regarding billing questions?

A: Each Care Center has a Business Office Manager and an Administrator that would be able to assist you and answer your questions/concerns regarding billing.

Q: What type of insurances do you accept?

A: We are contracted and accept Medicare and Medicaid. We also are contracted with a variety of HMO's and accept Private Insurances and Private Pay residents.

Q: Do you have any private rooms for family gatherings or parties?

A: Most of the Care Centers offer private Dining Rooms or Living Rooms Areas in which parties and gatherings can be held. Contact your Care Center to reserve the space for your special celebration.