Answers to Questions to About Health Care in General
· How does Health Care differ from a retirement home?
o A Health Care community, like the Via Health Care Center at The Hermitage, offers complete health care services, including 24-hour access to nursing professionals, assistance with daily living, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Retirement homes typically do not offer any health services to their residents.
· What are the requirements for admission to Health Care?
o Contact the Marketing Office at 804-474-1816.
o The admission process at the Hermitage includes:
§ Complete an application. This will include general information about the person and financial information. Include copies of power of attorney, advanced directive such as a living will and medical power of attorney documents. Also include supporting financial documents.
§ Once applications are approved,
§ Physical exam completed within 30 days prior to admission
§ A nurse and social worker complete an assessment to determine appropriate level of care (Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Health care).
· What exactly is a Health Care community?
o Health Care communities can vary greatly, depending on the retirement community. The Via Health Center at The Hermitage enjoys all the resources of the overall community, while maintaining its own unique services as required by our residents. Health care residents have full access to all the programs and activities of our community and services, including delicious meals, housekeeping, fresh linens, transportation, laundry services, therapy, and access to a Medical Director. And because the Hermitage is a continuing care community, residents can move from Independent Living, to Assisted Living, to secured memory care at McGuire Park, to Health Care as their needs change.
· How are Health Care communities licensed?
o Health Care communities are licensed through the Department of Social Services. In addition to being licensed by the DSS, The Hermitage is fully accredited by the EAGLE Accreditation Commission, The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
· What Health Care issues should I be aware of?
o Make sure the facility has appropriately-trained nursing staff, including RNs and specialized caregivers, and that the staff is qualified to appropriately treat multiple-symptom illnesses, physical frailty, and other issues that impact quality of life and care for older persons.
o Different retirement communities may define “Health Care” differently -- make sure any community you consider matches your understanding. You should also be aware of how the community plans to provide the care you require as your needs change. And perhaps most of all, you should be aware of what things are important to you in order to enjoy your quality of life -- your room’s decor? Social activities? Visiting friends? Getting out into the community? Accessible medical care?
o Many residents find themselves needing Health Care services temporarily (after surgery, for example) and then returning to their own apartment or home. Determine whether any community you investigate offers this flexibility.
o Many people find themselves at a time of life when their ability to drive and connect with friends and families is diminished. This frequently leads to depression, poor eating habits, isolation, and other problems that reduce their quality of life. The Via Health Center at The Hermitage is designed to combat this danger by providing programs and activities that help residents connect with the greater community and enjoy a richer social and mental life. Many residents find that not only does their physical health improve on entering the Hermitage, but their emotional and mental health improves as well.
· How do I choose a Health Care community that is right for my loved one?
o Most people prioritize quality of care, community atmosphere and amenities, and convenience of location.
o Is the staff friendly? Are there sufficient nursing staff for the number of residents? Is there a high rate of staff turnover? What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Is there a Medical Director? How often is the Medical Director on site?
o Is the staff specially trained to meet the unique needs of health care residents?
o Are there rehabilitation services on site? Including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy?
o When visiting a senior living community look for things such as the residents’ overall appearance -- Do they appear well-kept and happy? What does the menu look like — lots of options? What type of activities are there for the residents to participate in?
o Don’t be shy about talking to the residents about their overall satisfaction with their living arrangement.
o Talk with friends and community members to take advantage of their experience. The more folks you talk to, the better.
o The Hermitage is licensed by the Department of Social Services and the Virginia Health Department. Visit their websites.
o Our warm, homey atmosphere is frequently cited as the first thing people notice about our community, along with our convenient neighborhood location. In the heart of Richmond’s historic Ginter Park, The Hermitage is minutes away from the interstate, world-class shopping, and cultural activities.
· How will we know when it’s right to move ourselves or our loved one into a Health Care residence?
o The Hermitage staff is skilled at helping residents and family members determine when to move from their own home or another community to the Via Health Care Center, or from Independent Living or Assisted Living within the Hermitage to the Via Heath Care Center. Before that decision is made, a qualified staff team will visit with the potential resident to conduct an assessment that will determine the level of service that is required, including the resident’s functional status and care needs.
For answers to questions about Independent Living Click Here
For answers to questions about Assisted Living Click Here
