Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Senior Suites different from other nursing homes?
A: We are most proud of our skilled nursing staff at Senior Suites. Upon entering our doors, you will notice the warm, friendly atmosphere that exudes from every corner. Our staff is top notch. We consider them the main ingredient that sets us apart from the rest.
Another main ingredient that sets Senior Suites apart from other nursing facilities is our All-Suite complex. Our patient rooms are extremely spacious and comfortable. We encourage our residents to bring personal items, like furniture and pictures, to make their space feel more like home. The transition is always easier when the resident feels like they are still in their own element. Personal items help with that transition. We want them to consider Senior Suites as an extension of their own home.
Q: Will Medicare pay for a stay at a nursing home?
A: The only type of "nursing home" care Medicare helps pay for is skilled nursing facility care. Medicare does not pay for custodial care when this is the only kind of care your mother or father need. Custodial care is primarily for the purpose of helping your mother or father with daily living or meeting personal needs such as walking, dressing and eating, etc. His or her condition must require daily skilled nursing or skilled rehabilitation services which can only be provided in a skilled nursing facility. The skilled care she receives must be based on a doctor's orders.
Medicare Part A can help pay for certain inpatient care in a Medicare certified skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay of at least three days in a row, not counting the day of discharge.
Custodial care in a nursing home may be covered by Medicaid if the individual meets the specific state income and resource requirements for Medicaid assistance. We are most proud of our skilled nursing staff at Senior Suites. Upon entering our doors, you will notice the warm, friendly atmosphere that exudes from every corner. Our staff is top notch. We consider them the main ingredient that sets us apart from the rest.
Q: What coverage does Medicaid provide for nursing home care?
A: For those who are eligible, Medicaid will cover most costs relating to nursing home care. Medicaid will pay for room and meals, the nursing home staff, nurses, therapists, doctor's visits, some prescription drugs, dental care, medical equipment such as wheel chairs, eyeglasses and hearing aids. Medicaid will not pay for podiatrists, chiropractors, naturopaths, and independent: psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, and physical therapists. Medicaid will usually not pay for a single room and will not pay for televisions or phones.
Under federal law, the facility must inform each resident who is entitled to Medicaid benefits, in writing, at the time of admission to the nursing facility, or when the resident becomes eligible for Medicaid of the items and services that are included in nursing facility services under Medicaid. The facility must also give notice to residents as to other items and services that the facility offers and which are not covered by Medicaid for which the resident may be charged, including the amount of charges for those services. This information must be provided whenever changes in the charges go into effect.
You may request a medical application for yourself or any other person by mail, telephone or by scheduling an appointment with your Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) county office. The OKDHS workers will assist you in gathering the needed information and applying for Medicaid benefits.
Q: What legal documents should my loved one have in place before entering a nursing home?
A: All adults should strongly consider making certain decisions before a crisis hits. Executing a Financial Power of Attorney and Advance Directives, including a Living Will and Do Not Resuscitate Order, enable the competent adult to direct what care he or she may want in the future. If your loved one is not mentally capable of executing these documents, Oklahoma law offers other legal remedies that may enable you to ensure that his wishes are met. Making and prepaying for burial arrangements is helpful as well.
Q: What activity programs are available at a nursing home?
A: The activities at Senior Suites are developed to meet the needs of the residents. Many activities are conducted in small groups to provide opportunities for socialization, while others take place in large groups.
Q: Does Senior Suites offer appetizing, nutritious meals?
A: We are most proud of the cafeteria-style dining option available at Senior Suites. Our residents love the fact that they have a choice in what they eat on a daily basis. Our dietary staff prepares three, delicious and nutritionally balanced meals every day, that give residents a choice of more than one entrée. If your loved one has special dietary needs, you can rest assured that their every need will be met.