Seal of Belknap County, NH
Belknap County Nursing Home
Services
A) Administration

This facility is administered by a person licensed in the State of New Hampshire as a Nursing Home Administrator. The Administrator is responsible for the over-all management of the nursing home.

B) Business Office

The Business Office provides a total range of administration and personnel support functions enhancing the complete care concept of nursing home residents. We perform resident’s Medicaid and private pay billing, comply with Federal and State reporting requirements and maintain a continuing review of your monetary resources to ensure your continued Medicaid eligibility.

We also operate an accurate and up-to-date accounting system of our resident’s Old Age Assistance(OAA) personal accounts; provide day to day banking services for residents and generate a quarterly report of fund transactions for each resident. We document, maintain and submit required reports for all assigned resident representative payees, and perform the entire spectrum of personal maintenance functions to resident’s personal records. We maintain continuing liaison with outside agencies involved with procedures supporting care of residents.

C) Medical Services

  1. Medical Director
    The home contracts with a local physician to oversee the Medical Services delivered at the home. The Medical Director visits the facility regularly and meets with our staff to ensure that Quality Medical Care is administered by the attending physicians
  2. Attending Physicians
    You must be under the care of a physician while living at the home. You have the right to choose your Physician, however, your Physician must agree to visit you here at the home on a regular basis and to update the orders for your care. Your Physician must also comply with the State and Federal Regulations governing Nursing Home Medical Care.
  3. Dental Care
    The Home contracts with a local dentist to provide routine dental exams and routine treatment. The Dentist will perform your exams and treatment here at the home. Please let the nursing staff know if you need to see the dentist and they will arrange an appointment for you. There is no fee for routine dental care.
  4. Optometrist & Audiologist
    The home contracts with an Optometrist & an Audiologist. Vision and hearing needs are addressed as necessary. Routine appointments are scheduled through the Unit Coordinator.
    Payment for these services varies – these services are not necessarily covered and may be your responsibility. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your specific circumstances with the business office prior to scheduling an appointment.
  5. Psychiatrist
    The Home contracts with a Psychiatrist who visits the home on a regular basis. Mental Health issues are addressed as needed.
  6. Podiatrist
    The Home contracts with a Podiatrist who visits the home on a regular basis. Podiatry issues are addressed as needed. . Routine appointments are scheduled through the Unit Coordinator.
    Payment for these services varies – these services are not necessarily covered and may be your responsibility. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your specific circumstances with the business office prior to scheduling an appointment.

D) Laboratory Services

The Home contracts with Lakes Region General Hospital for Laboratory Services. A phlebotomist visits the home on a regular basis to draw routine blood work and is also available for emergency testing. Lakes Region General Hospital performs the testing and the results are communicated back to the Home so that we can communicate them to you and to your physician.

E) X – Ray And EKG Services

The Home contracts with a X ray company who comes to the home as needed to perform x – rays and EKG’s. On occasion your physician may order a test that cannot be performed at the home. When this occurs the test or procedure will be preformed at Lakes Region General Hospital.

F) Nursing

The department is under direction of a Director of Nurses.

Each member of our professional nursing staff is licensed by the state of New Hampshire.

In addition to our licensed staff we have unlicensed staff members who assist the professional team by assisting with non direct care tasks (making beds, cleaning closets etc.)

All of our staff receive continuing education so that they maintain current knowledge and skills.

  1. Licensed Nurses
    The Home is staffed 24 hours a day with Licensed Nurses. The nurses are responsible for overseeing all your medical needs ,coordinating your care as well as administering your medications and treatments ordered by your physician.
  2. Licensed Nurse Assistants
    The home is also staffed 24 hours a day with Licensed Nurse assistants who are responsible for assisting you with your personal care.
  3. Restorative Aides
    Our restorative aides are Licensed Nurse Assistants who specialize in helping you maintain or improve your abilities and increase your independence.
    Our restorative aides provide restorative dining services, ambulation programs, exercise programs etc..
    They work closely with our Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Registered Dietitian, to provide programs based on a plan of care to meet your individual needs.
    Our goal is to provide the level of care required to meet your health care needs.

G) Pharmacy Services

  1. Consultant Pharmacist
    The Home maintains a contract with a Long Term Care Pharmacy Service. This Pharmacy Service provides medications and the services of a Licensed Pharmacist who regularly reviews your medication profile and collaborates with your Physician and the Nurses.
  2. Medications
    Our Professional Nurses will order and administer your medications to you as prescribed by your Physician. All medications, including over the counter medications are ordered through our contracted pharmacy provider. The home and the pharmacy have developed a system that provides for the safe, efficient storage and administration of your medications. Medications are delivered on a regular basis and there are provisions for 24 hour delivery service if needed.
  3. Billing for Medications
    Medications are expensive and are not always covered by insurance. Every effort is made to provide an efficient and cost effective service.
    Generic medications are used if approved by your physician to assist in keeping down costs.
    You will be billed directly by the pharmacy for all medications not covered by insurance. The Pharmacy is available to answer any questions that you may have regarding bills for medications.

H) Dietary

Our Dietary Department is managed by a Food Service Director and is supervised by a Registered Dietitian.

The purpose of our dietary service is to provide attractive, delicious meals and snacks that satisfy the nutritive, therapeutic, and social needs of our residents. In accomplishing this purpose, your individual needs and desires will be considered. The program is kept flexible so you can have some selection in your diet.

The menu is planned by the Food Service Director and approved by the Registered Dietitian. Therapeutic diets ordered by the attending physician are planned by our Registered Dietitian.

Upon arrival at our home you will be visited by either the Food Service Director and/or the Registered Dietitian. He/She will discuss your dietary orders with you so that you will understand your specific dietary requirements. He/She will also discuss your likes and dislikes so that meals can be prepared in accordance with your physicians specifications and your personal preference.

You will receive three meals a day and between meal nourishments.

Meals for our residents are served in the dining room at 7:00 am, 11:30 am, and 5:00 pm. If you are unable to eat in the dining room , a tray will be delivered to your unit and given to you by the nursing staff.

Snacks are offered to residents at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and at nighttime.

Should any problems or concerns arise with your diet or the food service, we encourage you to see or speak with the Registered Dietitian or the Food Service Director.

The Food Service Director is on duty Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Registered Dietitian is at our facility on Mondays from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Special menus are prepared for Holidays and special occasions.

You are expected to share responsibility of adhering to your dietary restrictions.

I) Guest Meals

Your family and guests are welcomed to eat with you. There is a charge of $5.00 for each family or guest meal. On special Holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years the charge is $8.00. You and your guests can eat in the dining room or if you prefer you can have your meals sent to the nursing unit. For the comfort of all our residents, due to space limitations, we ask that you limit your guests dining with you to no more than 3 people.

Under special circumstances, parties larger then 3 people may, with prior permission from the Activities Director, use the activities room.

J) Rehabilitation Services

  1. Physical Therapy
    The Home contracts with a Licensed Physical Therapist, who is available on a regular basis to assess you Physical Therapy needs, then they will design, oversee and evaluate a program. Our Restorative Nursing Aides assist the Therapist in providing your treatment. Your Physical Therapy Treatment plan is provided under direct orders from your physician. The Goal of the program is to improve/maintain your functional abilities (i.e. transfers, ambulation, etc…) decrease pain, and improve/ strengthen your range of motion in your upper and lower extremities.
  2. Occupational Therapy
    Occupational Therapy is provided under a contract with a Rehabilitation company. A Licensed Occupational Therapy is available to provide care and to work with our restorative aides in meeting your Occupational Therapy Needs. As with Physical Therapy, your Occupational Therapy Treatment plan is provided under direct orders from your physician
  3. Speech Therapy
    Speech therapy is provided under a contract with a Rehabilitation company. A Licensed Speech Therapist is available for speech and swallowing evaluations and treatment.
    Once again, you Treatment plan is provided under direct orders from your physician.

K) Social Services

The Social Worker is available to residents and families daily to assist in the transition to group living. The goal of this department is to identify residents social and emotional needs, beginning with the preadmission period and continuing throughout your stay. Your individual needs and concerns are the major focus of this department and you, as well as your family, are encouraged to seek support and assistance as situations arise. It is important that you remain actively involved in decisions regarding your care and if a need occurs this department is available to you to assist you with problem solving.

L) Activity Department

The Activity Department is under the direction of a Certified Director of Activities. The goal of the department is to provide stimulation and opportunities for you to socialize. You are encouraged to pursue lifelong hobbies and crafts of interest. We will work with you to help design a program that meets your specific needs.

There are a variety of programs such as music, crafts, concerts, reading hour, story telling, bingo, Olympic games, movies, quilting classes, sewing, pet therapy, cooking and formal dinners.

Special monthly parties are planned through out the year. A trip on the “Mount Washington” boat is offered in the fall. Seasonal activities are planned and staff are also encouraged to dress for the occasions.

  1. Activity Calendar
    You will be informed on a daily basis of the scheduled activities/events and depending on interest and capabilities, you are encouraged to participate as often as you may choose.
    A large print Calendar of Events is posted on each nursing unit and a photocopy of the monthly calendar is delivered to your room so that you can refer to it when planning your day.
  2. Shopping
    You can make arrangements with the activity staff to assist you in shopping in the nearby areas. Shopping trips can be affected by weather and your current physical condition.
    Your family and friends are welcome to join us when able.
  3. In Home Clothing Purchases
    Periodically we invite clothing suppliers to the home so that you can shop at home. You will be notified in advance if a supplier is scheduled.
    We also maintain a small library of clothing catalogues that can be made available to meet your shopping needs.

    M) Environmental Services

    1. Housekeeping Department
      Daily housekeeping services are provided throughout the home.
      A Housekeeper is responsible for routine cleanliness of your room and toilet facilities. Our daily objectives are to see that all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, to protect our residents, visitors and personnel. We wish to provide an attractive atmosphere for all concerned and your patience is needed when staff are performing heavy cleaning that requires moving of furniture and belongings. If you are concerned about how your belongings are handled, please feel free to voice your concerns. Should a problem arise Social Services will assist you in resolving it.
    2. Maintenance Department
      The overall condition of the home including the mechanical functioning and provision of a safe environment is the responsibility of the maintenance department.
      This department staff is on call 24 hours a day to provide emergency services when required.
      When repairs are needed to furnishings, windows or fixtures, please inform the Unit Coordinator (RN) so that maintenance can be alerted.
      We ask that you not attempt to fix items yourself as it may not be safe to do so. Our staff is also available to residents for minor repairs of personal items. We also respond to residents request, such as hanging pictures.
      The maintenance personnel will arrange to have more complex repairs done by local service shops if you request, at your expense.
      Personal equipment that does not meet regulations will not be permitted.
    3. Laundry Department
      The Laundry department operates from 5:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday thru Saturday.
      When you arrive, the laundry department will mark your clothing to help ensure that it is returned to you after laundering. Anything without a name will be included in the “Lost and Found” Bulletin.
      When soiled, your personal clothing is washed, dried, hung or folded, and is delivered and put into your drawers or closets daily.
      You are encouraged to bring in a minimum of a 7 day supply of clothing. All clothing must be of a wash and dryable fabric.
      Worn or torn clothing will be monitored and replaced as requested. Minor repairs are also done in the laundry as needed.
      A supply of good, clean clothing is also on hand to replace worn, torn or beyond repair articles.
      1. Dry Cleaning
        Dry Cleaning Services are not available within the home.
      2. Missing Clothing
        As stated earlier, when you arrive, the laundry department will mark your clothing to help ensure that it is returned to you after laundering. It is very important that any clothing brought in after admission also be marked so that the laundry is able to identify who it belongs to. If you are missing an article of clothing, please let the nursing staff know so that they can attempt to locate it for you. Any clothing without a name will be included in the “Lost and Found” Bulletin.

    N) Spiritual Services

    As a part of your total care, we offer the ministry of Chaplains who visit on a regular basis. Protestant services are held each Sunday and Mass is celebrated weekly for Catholic residents. Sacrament of the Sick is available twice a year and upon request. A Bible Study group also meets weekly. A visit from the clergyman of your choice is also possible at any time by requesting such through the nurse on your unit.

    O) Hairdresser Services

    The Home employs a professional Hairdresser, licensed by the State of New Hampshire.

    Shampoos, cuts, permanents and oil treatments are scheduled by appointment, Monday thru Friday.

    The charges for these services are available through the Hairdresser or the Business Office.

    The cost of these services are not covered in your daily rate. Payment for services used is expected at the end of each month. At your request, payment can be deducted from your personal needs account.