1. Whom do I contact for admissions?
   The admissions coordinators for the Beechwood Residence, Beechwood Nursing Home, and Wesley Rehabilitation Center @ (716)504-1000 or the Administrator of the Blocher Homes, Ms. Patricia Fitzgerald @ (716) 504-3000.

2. Is there a waiting list?
   No. Many people express interest in living in our Homes; however, they may not necessarily be interested or able to move in immediately. As a result, there is a rather short list of people whose circumstances are such that should a bed become available, he or she could move in right away. We maintain a pool of people that is generally small and can vary due to the needs and conditions of the applicants. (Admission to Wesley Rehabilitation is through a patient pre-application process or a post-acute hospital stay.)

3. May I have my own doctor?
   Yes. However at Beechwood, we ask that your doctor become a member of the Beechwood Medical Staff and agree to comply with all facility policies and government regulations. Upon admission, most residents choose one of our geriatric specialists to oversee their care.

4. May I bring in my own furniture?
   Yes. However, there may be limitations based on room size and safety concerns. Pictures can be hung by the Plant Operations Department.

5. How often will I need to go to rehabilitation therapy if I am a patient in Wesley Rehabilitation Center?
   Depending on your needs and physical tolerance, you should expect to attend therapy sessions two times a day at 2-3 hour intervals, six days a week.

6. May I take my own medications?
   A condition of admission and the ability to remain a resident of The Blocher Homes is that each resident must be able to participate in their medication management. Nursing staff is available 24 hours each day to assist the resident through reminding, ordering and recording of prescribed medications.

   Any resident of the Beechwood Nursing Home or Beechwood Residence may self-administer his/her medication, providing the physician and the Interdisciplinary Care Team feel the resident is able to do so.

7. What arrangements are available for the storage of my valuables?
   We discourage residents from keeping irreplaceable valuables (heirlooms, jewelry, etc.) in their rooms. Therefore, if a resident does not have a safe deposit box or a family member to hold these valuables, we will provide minimal secure areas in the Homes' offices for these items. Access to these valuables is limited to standard Finance Office hours.

8. May I eat at a table by myself?
   All reasonable requests of residents can be accommodated; however, in this case, limits on space may prevent us from honoring this request. (Also Wesley)

9. May I sit anywhere I want in the dining room or is seating assigned?
   Seating is assigned at the Beechwood Homes, however, there is open seating at The Blocher Homes. Residents may sit at a different table with different people at each meal. The Blocher Homes also has open meal hours.

10. May I entertain?
    Yes. There are numerous locations to visit or entertain individuals or groups. Refreshments are available with sufficient advance notice through our Food/ Nutritional Services Department; however, there may be a slight charge.(Also Wesley)

11. May I invite guests for meals and holidays?
    Yes. Family/friends are invited to join our residents as their guest. There is a reasonable charge, so please contact the receptionist for availability and costs.(Also Wesley)

12. Do you have religious services?
    Yes. Protestant and Catholic services are offered at scheduled times throughout the week. Arrangements for services for other faiths can be made. (Also Wesley)

13. Do you allow pets?
    Pet visits are allowed and encouraged. All visiting pets must have up to date immunity shots. (Also Wesley)

14. Who does my laundry and how much does it cost?
    Any resident who is unable or unwilling to do his/her laundry can make arrangements with the laundry department. There is no charge for this service. (There is a slight charge for Wesley patients.) Washers, dryers, and ironing boards are located throughout the Residence, and Blocher Homes for residents' use. Although there is no charge for the use of these machines, laundry products are not provided.

15. May I come and go as I please?
    Yes. However, you must inform the Nursing and Receptionist Desk of your plans. At the Beechwood Nursing Home and Residence, you must also receive the prior approval of your physician. The only limitation for overnight stays is that Medicaid recipients are limited to 20 nights away from the facility.

16. Do I continue to be charged if I go on vacation or to the hospital?
    Yes, if you would like your room held for you. The daily room charge will apply and varies with each Home. Medicaid recipients at Beechwood are permitted to reserve their bed for up to 20 days. After that, the resident will receive preference for any available bed, providing he or she meets the admission criteria. Our room reservation policy is reviewed with each resident.

17. May I have my own car and where can I park?
    Yes. Reserved parking for residents is available at all of our Homes.

18. Will the van take me places (i.e., doctor)? Do you provide aide assistance?
    Van service is available to all ambulatory residents providing he or she can safely enter and exit the vehicle. There is a mileage limit for van transportation, but it is safe to say that transportation to local stores, physician offices, and hospitals are available. Aide assistance is generally not provided; however, we do encourage volunteers and family members to assist. Occasionally, we must insist that a resident not be left alone and may hire a temporary companion to assist. In this case, the resident/family will be asked to reimburse the Home for this cost.

19. Who makes arrangements if supportive equipment or staffing is needed upon discharge to home from Wesley Rehab (or the Nursing Home)?
    The interdisciplinary care team will oversee all of these arrangements prior to your going home.

20. What is a health care proxy?
    The health care proxy law permits individuals to appoint a trusted person, such as a family member or friend, to make health care decisions should he/she lose the ability to decide for himself/herself. This appointment can be made by signing a form called a Health Care Proxy.

21. What special accommodations/services are provided for residents who have suffer from various levels of dementia/Alzheimer's disease?
    

    The Beechwood Residence has a JCAHO Accredited Dementia Special Care Unit which offers a safe and secured unit that addresses the special needs of these residents. Contact Director of Social Work for detailed information on specialized programs and staff.

FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE INFORMATION

1. Do you cash checks?
Yes, as long as it is issued to the resident. Maximum amount cashed is $50.

2. May I charge things?
All three Homes offer private interest-bearing accounts called "Personal Fund Accounts." Any resident with an account may charge certain purchases, such as beauty shop, newspapers, guest meals, or cash withdrawals.

3. What happens if I run out of money and/or deplete my assets?
At the Beechwood Residence and Nursing Home, residents who deplete their assets may apply for Medicaid. As an Assisted Living Facility, the Blocher Homes is not eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Therefore, any Blocher Homes resident who depletes his/her assets will be required to meet individually with the Administrator to discuss payment options. This generally results in the resident paying the Home his/her monthly income, less a personal expense allowance.

4. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is a federal insurance program designed to provide acute and/or skilled services to individuals 65 or older. It is available to all enrolled U.S. citizens regardless of their income or assets. Medicaid is the payer of last resort when all other payment options have been exhausted. There is no age restriction, and it requires the resident to use most of their personal assets in order to qualify.

5. Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?
Yes. Medicare and Medicaid will pay for care in the Beechwood Nursing Home and Residence providing the resident qualifies for these programs. The Blocher Homes cannot accept payment from these programs because adult care facilities are prohibited by law from participating.

6. Will Medicare pay for all of my skilled care?
No. The most Medicare will pay is a portion of your stay up to 100 days and only if several very restrictive conditions exist. Medicare does require a deductible to be paid for days 21-100.

7. Do the Homes process my Medicare/Medicaid and other health insurance reimbursement claim forms?
All residents are encouraged to utilize family members or friends to assist them with the processing of these forms. However, if this is not possible, there are community agencies available to assist you.

8. What charges in Wesley Rehabilitation are covered by my insurance?
Charges incurred through approved short-term subacute care are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, No-Fault, Workers Compensation, and most private insurances. (Exceptions would be telephone, television, and guest meals.)

9. What happens when I can't handle my own affairs?
It is hoped that all residents will take the initiative prior to losing their ability to handle their affairs, to complete a "power of attorney" and health care proxy. Our residents are encouraged as a part of the admission process to pursue each document. If a resident has not taken advantage of these options and subsequently loses the ability to handle his/her affairs, we will consult with the closest relative or friend. In the absence of these documents, the ability of family members and/or friends to make health and financial decisions may be severely limited by law.

10. What is a "power of attorney"?
A "power of attorney" may be used to allow an individual (the "principal") to name another person (the "agent" or "attorney in fact") to make financial decisions in the event the principal becomes incapacitated and cannot make his/her own decisions. There are several different kinds of powers of attorney, including "springing" powers of attorney or "durable" powers of attorney. Because of the importance of these documents, we recommend that a resident consult an attorney to be certain they are properly drafted and executed, and accurately express the resident's wishes.