Admission Policy: It is the policy of this Home to follow an established protocol when considering applicants into the Home.

1.The application must be completed in its entirety and signed by either the applicant or the legally responsible party.

2. A designated person will interview the applicant. The level of care for which the applicant is suited will be noted.

3. The applicant will then be placed on the waiting list. Applicants will be contacted in the order in which applications were filed. Applicants will also be contacted periodically to determine if they still desire admission and if the Home is able to meet their care needs.

4. When an accommodation is available, the applicant will be contacted and given an opportunity to accept the offer of admission.

A. An applicant is free to decline the accommodations. Their name will remain on the waiting list.

B. If the applicant accepts the accommodation, the process continues as follows.

5. The applicant will be given forms and information about the Home. They may include, but are not limited to, the following:

A.* an admission contract

B. policy regarding resident’s rights

C. advanced directives / power of attorney for health care

D.* admission physical and physician order form

E.* policy regarding the procurement of medications

F.* dental preference

G.* podiatry preference

H. smoking regulations

I.* referral to the activity program

J.* authorizations and releases

K. schedule of religious services within the Home

L. list of personal possessions

M.* acknowledgement to the administrator

"*" indicates those forms which must be signed and returned to the administrator before the applicant will be admitted.

6. An explanation of charges will be given to the applicant prior to admission. Charges for room and board will begin the day the applicant agrees to accept the room.
(Refer to policies on charges and billing for further information.)

7. The applicant will be encouraged to bring in a reasonable amount of personal belongings. The following regulations must be respected:

A. Applicants may, with administrative approval, bring in carpeting or have the room carpeted at their own expense. Carpets must be fire retardant, by State regulation, and a letter must be provided by the applicant stating this fact.

B. All electrical appliances including electric blankets, heating pads and fans may not be used without prior approval of the maintenance and nursing departments.

C. Throw rugs are not permitted unless they have an intact rubber backing.

D. Wastebaskets must be metal or meet federal fire code regulations.

8. It is the applicant’s responsibility to transport all personal belongings to the Home. The Home will provide assistance in arranging furniture, hanging pictures, etc.

9. If the Home can not meet the applicant’s needs and/or if the applicant is not satisfied with the services received the Admission Contract may be terminated.

10. The following will not be admitted to the Home:

A. Applicants with a mental illness which is poorly controlled and/or which poses a threat to the safety of the applicant or others;

B. Applicants whose medical needs cannot be met by this Home. This may include the following:

1. Assisted ventilation (respirators)

2. IV therapy

11. Admission to the Home, or the provision of services, will not be limited or denied on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, religion, citizenship, or marital or veteran status.

12. Because the mission of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus is to serve the elderly, applicants under the age of sixty-five (65) will be considered for admission only if there is no other applicant for the accommodation available.

13. Applicants will be admitted only on regular working days (Monday through Friday, exclusive of holidays) and only before noon. This allows the staff to complete all required work efficiently and assures continuity of care.