Care Team

Who will be on my care team?

Your care team always includes your attending physician and a physiatrist – a physician who specializes in rehabilitation. The team may also include:

    • Nurse
    • Dietician
    • Physical, speech or occupational therapists
    • Wellness coordinator/social worker

 

Holistic Approaches

Do holistic approaches really work?

Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit and emotions – to help achieve optimal health and wellness. Along with traditional medicine, it has been proven to be quite effective.

Can you give me some examples of holistic approaches?

Some examples of holistic approaches include acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathy, massage therapy, guided imagery, and aromatherapy.

What is guided imagery?

Guided imagery, a form of meditation, is a powerful technique to direct the imagination to help with relaxation and healing. Research shows that the proper use of guided imagery can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and increase short-term immune cell response. It can also reduce pain and anxiety. While using the technique, the mind follows an imagined sensory path and cues the body for healing. After a few lessons, you will be able to continue this practice at home.

Diet

I’m guessing the food won’t exactly be 5-star cuisine. True?

Our facilities employ a chef who is committed to making sure the food is both tasty and nourishing.

Sometimes following surgery, patients’ taste buds can be affected by the anesthesia. Often nothing, not even water, tastes normal for weeks after a procedure that requires anesthesia. Don’t worry. This is a temporary condition that will go away with time.

What if I have special dietary needs or dislike certain foods?

Just let us know your special needs. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Are there foods I will need to avoid during recovery at your facility?

If there are particular dietary requirements for your recovery – for instance, if you need a heart healthy or sugar-free diet — your doctor will let us know when you leave the hospital and we will be ready for you at Fairmont Care.

How will you be assured that I’m getting enough nourishment?

Our nursing team will carefully monitor your calories and fluid intake. Food helps you heal, and we want you to get the proper nutrition and hydration while enjoying your meals.

What if I’m sleeping when my meal arrives?

If you do not wish to be disturbed during naps, we will not bother you. We can save your meal or we offer an “Always Available” menu that you can use to select menu items during off hours. Don’t worry, you will not go hungry at Fairmont Care.

Do you offer certain specialized diets, e.g., heart healthy or sugar free?

We offer many special diets and will work with you, your doctor and our dietician to create the diet you need to return to health. Some of our special diets include:

    • Nutrition
    • Weight Loss
    • Weight Management
    • Vegetarian
    • Fruitarian
    • Pescetarian
    • Raw Diet
    • Therapeutic Diet
    • Custom Diets

Can family members bring favorite food items when they visit?

We welcome family gatherings and invite them to bring favorite foods, take-out options, and coffee or tea drinks.

Pain Management

What happens if I experience pain during or after therapy sessions?

If you experience pain during therapy, we will stop and evaluate your situation. We can add pain medication, reduce your exertion, or add other pain control methods to your exercises. Don’t worry; we will be there to listen and react to your concerns every step of the way.

How will my pain be minimized?

We have many different options to manage your pain. Of course, we offer both narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications. But other options exist, such as e-stim, ultrasound, biofreeze, diathermy, hot and cold packs, therapeutic massages, and more. Together, we will find the right solution for you.

How do you help prevent addiction to narcotic pain medications?

We do everything in our power to ensure addiction does not occur. We gradually adjust medications during your stay to provide maximum pain relief with the least amount of medication.

Some days, my acute pain is worse than others. Why is that?

Your pain can vary based on the amount of activity you do and the amount of therapy you receive. Many patients with arthritis will tell say some days are worse than others based on the weather. Several variables can affect your pain, which is why we tailor treatment plans to the individual to minimize pain and optimize progress.

What is palliative care and when is it appropriate?

The purpose of palliative care is to alleviate pain and stress when the patient is suffering from a progressive and deteriorating disease, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, or cancer. Palliative care can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Palliative care can help relieve suffering and provide much-needed physical, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient and family. Please speak to us if you feel that you or your family member is a candidate for palliative care, and we will help guide you

Transition to Home

What will happen when I am getting ready to be discharged?

The Fairmont Care team will continually monitor your progress and when the time comes, help you make a seamless transition to home. Our therapists will join you and your family at your home to conduct a home safety assessment to make sure you can safely continue your progress at home.

On the day of discharge, our nurses will review your medications and any instructions that need to be followed at home. We will work with you, your family, and caregivers to help you return to home without incident.

You will be sent home with any unused medications that are allowed. Your family member may want to plan a trip to the pharmacy for any new medicines the doctor may have ordered. Ensuring you continue your medications uninterrupted is one of our highest priorities.

We are always available to answer questions and welcome your calls after you have returned home. We will call you after you have been home a few days to check on your progress.

Will I need to make adjustments to my home environment?

Preparing your home for a safe return before you enter the hospital with the help of a family member will help ease the transition. Before your surgery, organize your home to clear your walking areas in order to prevent accidents. Consider a first floor sleeping arrangement with a firm bed that allows your feet to touch the floor when you sit on the edge of the bed. Your therapist may also make suggestions to you at the time of your home safety assessment.

Are there community services that can support me once I’m back home?

Our social workers are experts on community services that are available in your area. They can help with setting up grocery delivery, home health services, home adaptation services, and even regular meal delivery services. When it is time for you to go home, the social worker will review all of these services with you and help you choose the best options for your lifestyle.

Will I still be able to call my wellness coordinator with questions after I go home?

Your Wellness Coordinator will be available anytime after discharge to answer any questions or assist with any problems.

Is there anything I should be particularly vigilant about at home?

Falls are always a concern when patients go home. To help prevent falls, we always recommend removing any throw rugs, ensuring adequate lighting, and positioning furniture to allow for a walker or any other assistive device. Be careful on your first few days back at home; the change, even to a familiar place, can be disorienting.

Another issue is staying on top of multiple medications. Your nurse will review all your medications with you before discharge so you or your home health caregiver can keep you on track once you’re home. Keeping a list of your medications, what they are for and when and how much to take is helpful. Please ask a family or friend to pick up any new prescriptions your doctor may order. Forgetting prescriptions is the number one cause of hospital readmissions.

If you go home with a wound, you will have different concerns. Our wound care team will review the proper care of the injury with you and anyone who will assist you with wound care. The wound care team is here to answer any questions after you go home.

Should I know anything about taking my medication?

Taking your medicine is one of the most critical success factors upon your return home. Ninety percent of hospital readmissions are due to a failure to take your medication. Securing your necessary prescriptions and continuing to take them at home is essential!

Will I be able to come back if I get home and I don’t feel well?

You are always welcome back if you are not feeling well. Each insurance company has different guidelines regarding readmission and our admissions team is always available to help.

If you have Medicare, you can be readmitted to the facility within 30 days of discharge if you still have Medicare days available. We are always available to answer questions and will help guide you to the right decision.

Socialization

How often do you have Happy Hour?

As long as your doctor approves of you enjoying a glass of wine, you are welcome to participate in our weekly happy hours. We serve wine and appetizers twice a week around 5 pm. Friends and family are welcome.

What other socialization activities do you offer?

At bedtime, we have a relaxation tea cart that makes rounds with Sleepy Time Tea, Hot Cocoa, and a few cookies to help you sleep better.

What activities are available?

With your doctor’s permission, you may participate in any of the activities, games, or entertainment we offer.

Visiting

I am worried that no one will come to visit me.

Your friends and family will come to visit when you tell them how wonderful Fairmont Care is. Everyone wants to see what a great place looks like in case they need to go someday. Invite them to visit and tell us they are coming. we will make sure you are brought cookies and drinks to enhance the visit.

We encourage visiting for many reasons but the most important is that it makes you feel good and it’s a great way for us to show off our facility. We are proud of what we do and how we do it.

How often may I have visitors?

You may have visitors any time of day. Our buildings are open 24 hours a day, and your visitors are welcome to visit when it is convenient for both of you.

Can family members stay overnight?

Yes, family members may stay overnight with the approval of the adminstrator.  Please let your nurse know if you have a family member who would like to stay.

What types of gifts or items should visitors bring?

Flowers and plants are always cheering and welcoming sites.

Feel free to bring conventional reading materials, such as magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. Familiar routines from home will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your recovery.

Food has soothing and healing properties as well. Bringing a favorite coffee or muffin for your loved one is a thoughtful gift. Families frequently gather for a group meal, too, which we can provide. Pizza delivery or takeout meals are also appropriate.

Financial Concerns

Will my Medicare part A cover my stay?

For Medicare to cover a skilled rehab or nursing stay, you must have been admitted as an inpatient in the hospital for three “midnights” in the last 30 days. (Please note: some patients may stay overnight in the hospital; however, they are admitted under “observation” and do not qualify.) When you are discharged from the hospital, you will need a doctor’s order for a skilled Medicare Part A stay.

Can I qualify for skilled rehab if I’m not currently on Medicare?

We accept most managed care and commercial insurance, as well as private payment. You’ll need a doctor’s order for skilled care. Your doctor will determine if you have a skilled nursing and rehab need.

What type of Insurance do you accept?

We accept many types of insurance. Our major providers include:

      1. Aetna
      1. Beech Street
      1. Blue Cross/Blue Shield
      1. Care Improvement Plus
      1. CHCS
      1. Cigna
      1. Cofinity
      1. Corvel
      1. Galaxy
      1. Great West
      1. Harmony Health Plan Medicare Advantage
      1. HealthSmart and HealthSmart Accel
      1. Humana
      1. Interplan Health Group
      1. MultiPlan
      1. NPPN
      1. PHCS and PHCS Savility
      1. Swedish Covenant
      1. UMWA
      1. Unicare
      1. USA MCO
      1. WellCare Medicaid
      1. Wellcare Medicare
      1. United Health Care (with prior approval)

 

If you don’t see the name of your insurance company here, please call our admissions team to verify coverage.

 

Helpful Resources

Alzheimer’s Association – The Alzheimer’s Association is a leading organization providing support and research for Alzheimer’s disease. Click here to find information regarding research, caregiving tips, events, and a list of Alzheimer’s professionals in your area.

 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs and regulates health care providers. CMS aims to improve patient care and access. Their website provides a wealth of information on health services and programs available to seniors and other Americans.

 

A Guide to Long Term Care for Veterans – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive guide for long term Veteran Care. This guide covers a range of topics including VA benefits, skilled home health care, and long term decision-making tips.

 

Administration on Aging (AOA) – The Administration on Aging is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The AOA carries out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965, promoting the well-being of older individuals by providing resources and services for seniors to live independently.

 

National Care Planning Council – The National Care Planning Council is a comprehensive resource for eldercare, senior services, and care planning. They publish numerous articles, books, and guides to assist in the caring and planning of seniors.

 

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) – AARP is a leading resource for seniors across the United States. Here you can find information ranging from healthy living tip and financial advice, to long term planning and a list of skilled providers in your area. Click here for more information.

Advanced Directives

Will my wishes for no heroic measures be honored?

We are mandated by law to care for everyone to the greatest extent possible unless you express otherwise in the form of an Advance Directive.

Your Social Worker will be help you complete the necessary paperwork so that all of YOUR wishes are carried out. If you have already completed your Advance Directives, please provide us with a copy.