Bed Hold Policy
 
From time to time, residents may be temporarily absent from Jo Ellen Smith Living Center for hospitalization or therapeutic leave and may request that we reserve their residency during this time. This action is known as a “bed hold.” The means through which a resident’s stay is financed determines exactly how this policy affects them.

Medicare/Hospice/VA/Insurance – In the event a resident temporarily leaves the facility or requires transfer to another facility, we will hold their bed provided a written request is made before or at the time of discharge or transfer, and provided the basic daily rate is paid in full to date. During this period, residents or their legal representative or responsible party must pay the full basic daily rate for the bed in addition to any other charges incurred. If no request for a bed hold is made prior to or at the time of transfer, our facility reserves the right to terminate a resident’s admission contract. Medicare, VA, and Hospice will not pay for bed holds and neither will most insurance companies. Therefore, it is important that residents consult their carrier regarding their policy if covered under this type of plan.

Medicaid – If a resident leaves the facility for hospitalization, we will hold their bed for up to seven (7) consecutive calendar days. To hold the bed after this period, the resident or their legal representative or responsible party must pay the full basic daily rate for the bed in addition to any other charges incurred. If no request for bed hold is made prior to or at the time of transfer, our facility reserves the right to terminate their admission contract. If they require re-admission upon discharge from the hospital and a bed is not available, the resident will be notified of the first bed available. Overnight home leave is also permitted, but limited to fifteen (15) days per calendar year.

Private Pay – In the event a resident temporarily leaves the facility, we will hold their bed for hospitalization or therapeutic leave, provided a written request is made before or at the time a resident leaves the facility and provided all fees owed to the facility have been paid in full. During this period, the resident or their legal representative or responsible party must pay the full basic daily rate for their bed in addition to any other charges incurred. If this procedure is not followed, our facility reserves the right to terminate their admission contract.

Management of Resident Finances

Residents are allowed to manage their personal financial affairs or designate someone to assume that responsibility. Residents are permitted to spend their personal funds as desired. There is no obligation to deposit funds with the facility. However, the facility is obliged to hold, safeguard and account for personal funds upon written request by residents, their legal representative or responsible party. Residents will have access to their financial records through quarterly statements and upon request.