Holiday Hill, Inc.
The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with all the information you will
need in order to make your stay with us as easy and pleasurable as possible.
We have tried to compile this booklet in such a way that it will remain a reliable
source of information during your entire stay and answer as many of your questions
as possible, even before you think of them. Since we can’t fit everything in
here, we have included enough contact information so that you can easily identify
the people who best can assist you and get you the answers you need.
Who You Gonna Call?
Sooner or later you will have questions or problems and you should know the best person to ask or report such matters to. Below you will see each person’s title and/or department of responsibility, extension #, and email address (if applicable).
Holiday Hill--------------------------------------------325-625-4157
Administrator-----------------------------------------------Greg Whitten
admin@holidayhill.net-----------------------------------------Ext. 18
Director of Nurses (D.O.N.) ----------------------Shelley Robinett
don1@holidayhill.net------------------------------------------Ext. 20
Asst. D.O.N. --------------------------------------------Shirley Davis
don2@holidayhill.net----------------------------------------- Ext. 21
Asst. Administrator-----------------------------------Norma Kenney
admin2@holidayhill.net-------------------------------------- Ext. 14
MDS Coordinator------------------------------------Stefanie Gentry
mds1@holidayhill.net----------------------------------------- Ext. 24
Business Manager------------------------------------Carolyn Bartley
finance@holidayhill.net--------------------------------------- Ext. 25
Billing Manager----------------------------------------Lori Duquette
billing@holidayhill.net--------------------------------------- Ext. 10
Food Service Supervisor-----------------------------Melissa Cortez
dietary@holidayhill.net----------------------------------------Ext. 16
Activity Director---------------------------------------Sylvia Molina
activity@holidayhill.net-------------------------------------- Ext. 17
Facility Operations Manager----------------------------Rick Turner
fixit@holidayhill.net------------------------------------------ Ext. 19
How do I call and talk to my (Mom/Dad)?
The best way to talk with your loved one over the phone and have some privacy is to call one of our cordless phones that are kept at the Nurse’s Station. When you call the nursing staff should answer the phone, tell them who you want to talk to and they will take the phone to that person wherever they are in the building. These phone numbers are:
325-625-2454, 325-625-3035
Also, you can call our main phone 325-625-4157, dial ext. 11
or 12 to reach the Nurse’s Station and someone can bring your loved one to the
nearest phone.
You may want to consider getting a private phone line put in your loved one’s
room.
How can I get a private phone in (Mom/Dad)’s room?
There are phone jacks in every room but the phone service can only be hooked up by contacting the local phone company. Holiday Hill does not charge anything for having a phone in the room. All phone charges will be between you and the local phone company. If you already have a local phone number you may get that same number transferred here. You will need to supply your own phone and we suggest one that has large numbers. Programming your family’s numbers into speed dial makes it easier for some residents to call you so keep this in mind if you purchase a phone. The local phone company contact information is as follows: Verizon 1-800-483-4000
What do we need to bring?
Mostly, you should bring small items that will make your loved
one feel somewhat at home. Hang family pictures on the wall, small plants, put
up shelves, knick knacks, maybe a T.V., etc. The room size is limited and should
not be overcrowded because of the dangers of falling, need for prompt evacuation
in case of emergency, and the need of accessibility for routine cleaning.
We provide everything they need except for clothing. Good footwear is important.
Be sure to have shoes that fit well and won’t slip on our tile floors. We provide
linens, towels, toiletries, hygiene items, over-the-counter medications, etc.
However, everything we use is generic, but good quality, products. If you prefer
a different brand of something then you may supply your own product. For example
you may prefer “Crest” toothpaste or “Polygrip” denture adhesive. Whatever you
do bring here be sure that it is clearly and permanently marked with your loved
ones name so that we identify who it belongs to. We are not responsible for
any lost, misplaced or stolen items but you should report any such occurrences
to the D.O.N. so that we can take appropriate measures to correct these loses.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Closet and drawer space is limited so try to keep the number
of outfits you bring below 20. We wash everyday and return their clothes to
their room the next day, and sometimes the same day therefore they do not have
to have a great deal of clothing. We realize that some people can’t stand to
leave behind their wardrobe so try to be reasonable in what you bring. All clothes
should be clearly and permanently marked with their name on each garment so
that we can get it back in the correct drawer or closet. We do make mistakes
sometimes and clothes do get misplaced or eaten by the laundry monster. If you
notice that a garment is missing please report this to nurse in charge of your
care and have her take you to speak with the laundry personnel about you problem.
If this continues to be a problem then report this to the Facility Operations
Manager and/or the administrator.
You may choose to have someone in your family do your laundry. If so they still
need to have your name on each garment and provide a laundry basket in your
room for you dirty clothes and it needs to be picked-up at least weekly.
Will I need to keep any money?
The only places to spend money in the nursing home are the vending machines and the beauty shop. However, it is not a good ideal to keep more than $5 on your person or in your room. We provide the service of a trust fund in the business office which works much like your own personal bank account at the nursing home. You can deposit and withdraw your money anytime the office is open. All you have to do is sign your name or mark your initials.
What about my valuables?
Valuables items such as jewelry, important papers, credit cards,
family heirlooms, should be left at home or with family or friends. We can not
be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Of course you need to bring your hearing aide, dentures and eyeglasses if you
need them. However, sometimes things get dropped and broken, misplaced, or lost.
Again, we will assume no responsibility for such items. Please help us by keeping
these items properly labeled, away from trash cans, never left on food trays,
and in their proper containers.
Please report any lost or broken items to your charge nurse so that we may assist
you in the recovery or repair process. If these circumstances continue to recur
then please report the occurrence to the D.O.N. and/or administrator so that
appropriate action can be taken to prevent future occurrences.
Can we bring a T.V.?
Yes and the cable T.V. service is free! You will get about 28 channels. If you want to upgrade your cable service you will need to contact the Charter Communications at 625-2923. They will bill you for any extra services you may want. Almost every room has two people per room. Sometimes it is tuff when each person has a T.V. We ask that either you would share the use of one T.V. or it might be a good idea to purchase headphones to plug into your set. This way the noise will not bother your roommate or anyone else.
Can I eat my meals in my room?
Yes, but we prefer that you would come and eat in the dining room. If you come to the dining room you have the opportunity to visit with other people, have better food choice at our buffet and salad bar, and be better observed by our staff in case of choking or illness. If you have any comments or complaints about the quality of the food or service please direct them to our food service supervisor. We are happy to make any improvements that will promote good nutrition and eating.
Can someone eat with me?
Yes! Please notify anyone in the kitchen how many guest trays you need and where you would like them sent. If there is not enough room for your guest at your regular seating we can set up a table and chairs in the chapel for your dining. Just let either your charge nurse or the facility operations manager know what you will need and they will take care of the arrangements.
Is smoking allowed?
Yes, but only on the patio area in back of the facility. All residents have to be supervised when they smoke and they are not allowed to keep any cigarettes or lighters with them or in their rooms. We have a set schedule where we invite all smokers to a smoke break about every 2 hours through out the day. Please see your charge nurse for a copy of the schedule. Nursing keeps all smoking items locked in a safe area. They will let you or your designated representative know when your cigarettes are low and you need to get some more. Family or visitors may take you to the patio for extra smoke breaks. Just see your charge nurse in order to get your cigarettes but please remember to return them when you return inside the building.
Does Medicare pay for my stay in the nursing home?
Medicare will only pay for short term stays in the nursing home and only if you have had an acute stay in the hospital for at least three days within the last 30 days. These kinds of stays are referred to as skilled nursing facility (SNF) days. They are intended to be used to help you recover from a serious illnesses or injury. This kind of stay usually involves therapy and more intensive nursing services. The administrator and billing manager can provide you with more details.
After I sign in to the nursing home will I lose my social security check?
There are two other pay types, beside Medicare, to pay for your nursing home care. The first way is to pay from your own pocket. The second is through the Medicaid Program. You are expected to use whatever financial means you have to pay for your care, income, savings, CD’s, etc. The cost for your services will run from $2500.00 per month and higher depending on how much care you will be requiring. Some people may have purchased some long term care insurance that will help them with their expenses. Regardless, of your situation your social security check will continue to come to you the same as it always has. This will not change unless you contact the social security office and request something different from them.
What do I do if I don’t have the money to pay for the nursing home?
If you do not have the money, financial means, or resources
to pay for your care then you must apply for help from Medicaid. Do not confuse
Medicaid with Medicare. They are not the same and not related. Medicaid requires
you to have both a financial and medical need before they will help you pay
for your nursing home services. Very Important! – Even if you are broke and
poor you must have to be determined by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability
Services (DADS) to have a “medical need” to be eligible for assistance with
Medicaid. Once qualified for Medicaid you will be required to submit payment
to the nursing home each month whatever amount the DADS caseworker determines.
You will only be left with $60.00 of your income each month. This amount is
referred to as your “personal needs allowance.” After you have submitted your
payment to the nursing home, Medicaid will then pay the nursing home the remainder
of the balance needed to pay for your care. Medicaid also pays for your prescriptions
drugs since you will not be left with any other money to pay for them. You can
begin your Medicaid application process by contacting the local Medicaid eligibility
caseworker at:
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
114 Needham ~ Coleman, TX. 76834 ~ Phone 325-625-4183 ~Fax 325-625-5438
What type of screening is done on the staff before you hire them?
We run a criminal background check through the D.P.S.. Certain criminal offenses prevent us from hiring individuals but some minor offenses will not prevent them from being eligible for employment. We also run a sex offender check and they must pass a drug test. We also do random monthly, suspicious behavior and post unusual accident drug testing. If the prospective employee has a license or certification we run checks to see if there are any charges or complaints against their license.
What sort of rights do I have while living here?
You, the resident, do not give up any rights when you enter
a nursing facility. The facility must encourage and assist you to fully exercise
your rights. Any violation of these rights is against the law. It is against
the law for any nursing facility employee to threaten, coerce, intimidate or
retaliate against you for exercising your rights.
If anyone hurts you, threatens to hurt you, neglects your care, takes your property,
violates your dignity, you have the right to file a complaint with the facility
administrator or with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
by calling 1-800-458-9858.
You have the right to:
1. all care necessary for you to have the highest possible level of health;
2. safe, decent and clean conditions;
3. be free from abuse and exploitation;
4. be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect;
5. be free from discrimination based on age, race, religion, sex, nationality,
or disability and to practice your own religious beliefs;
6. privacy, including privacy during visits and telephone calls;
7. complain about the facility and to organize or participate in any program
that presents residents’ concerns to the administrator of the facility;
8. have facility information about you maintained as confidential;
9. retain the services of a physician of your choice, at your own expense or
through a health care plan, and to have a physician explain to you, in language
you understand, your complete medical condition, the recommended treatment,
and the expected results of the treatment, including reasonably expected effects,
side effects, and risks associated with psychoactive medications;
10. participate in developing a plan of care, to refuse treatment, and to refuse
to participate in experimental research;
11. a written statement or admission agreement describing the services provided
by the facility and the related charges;
12. manage your own finances or to delegate that responsibility to another person;
13. access money and property you have deposited with the facility and to an
accounting of your money and property that are deposited with the facility and
of all financial transactions made with or on behalf of you;
14. keep and use personal property, secure from theft or loss;
15. not be relocated within the facility, except in accordance with nursing
facility regulations;
16. receive visitors;
17. receive unopened mail and to receive assistance in reading or writing correspondence;
18. participate in activities inside and outside the facility;
19. wear your own clothes;
20. discharge yourself from the facility unless you have been adjudicated mentally
incompetent;
21. not be discharged from the facility, except as provided in nursing facility
regulations;
22. be free from any physical or chemical restraints imposed for the purposes
of discipline or convenience and not required to treat your medical symptoms;
23. receive information about prescribed psychoactive medication from the person
who prescribes the medication or that person’s designee, to have any psychoactive
medications prescribed and administered in a responsible manner, as mandated
by the Health and Safety Code, SS242.505, and to refuse to consent to the prescription
of psychoactive medications; and
24. place an electronic monitoring device in your room that is owned and operated
by you or provided by your guardian or legal representative.
Your rights may be restricted only to the extent necessary to protect you or another person from danger or harm or to protect a right of another resident, particularly those relating to privacy and confidentiality.
Am I permitted to leave the facility whenever I want?
Yes, this is your right. You should always be escorted by someone who is able to help you as necessary and guard your safety. Always notify your charge nurse before leaving the building so we can know when you expect to return and send any necessary medications with you. Also, promptly notify your charge nurse upon your return. Rules that govern all Medicaid recipients only allow for a resident to be absent from the facility for a maximum of three days. Then you must be here at least for 24 hrs. before leaving on another pass. Private pay residents may be out of the facility up to a maximum of 30 days. Applicable “Bed Hold” fees will be incurred for holding your bed when absent from the facility on overnight stays. Please refer to the billing manager or administrator for the details.
Can my friends and family bring me food, snacks or drinks from outside?
Yes, but this information should be reported to the charge nurse so that each resident’s dietary intake and nutrition can be monitored as necessary.
How will I get to my Dr. appointments?
The nursing staff will assist in scheduling, and arranging for transportation to and from medical appointments and hospital transfers. Families are encouraged to take or accompany residents to appointments. However, we will provide our van, with the wheelchair lift, driver and necessary staff in order to safely transfer all residents to medical appointments. There is no additional charge for this service.
How often and when may my family and friends visit me?
You may have visitors as often and whatever times you would like. The only exception is we ask that your visits not be disruptive to your roommate or other residents. The lobby, courtyard and chapel are available to anyone wishing to have more private visits.
What is there to do all day besides sit in my room?
We schedule at least 2 interesting and exciting group activities
everyday around mid morning and mid afternoon. Everyone is invited to participate.
We also have in room visitation for those folks that do not wish to get out
or participate in our group activities. We provide every resident with a calendar
each month that shows all times and types of activities scheduled. There is
a large screen T.V. available to all residents that has some old movie channels.
We usually have flowers and vegetable gardens for those interested in tending
to them. We schedule sight seeing bus rides, picnics, zoo trips, and many more
excursions. Some people get out and walk around the facility, feed birds, water
grass, feed the deer. Some folks enjoy helping fold laundry, peel vegetables,
sweep floors or swat flies. We will help you to do anything you wish as long
as it’s not illegal. Just because you are in a nursing home doesn’t mean you’re
nearly dead, so we really push and encourage everyone to get up and get busy
with something. It is to easy to get depressed if you aren’t involved with someone
or something so it is very important to get involved with something you enjoy!
Local Dentist Information
Dr. James Anders, DDS
310 West Pecan
Coleman, TX. 76834
325-625-4243
Family Dental Center
Dr. Lawrence Thompson, DDS
209 West Pecan
Coleman, TX. 76834
325-625-3535
We are required to obtain the name of your preferred dentist and place it in the medical record. We also must offer to schedule your loved one a yearly dental examine. We are not liable for the cost of any dental care and all charges are the responsibility of the resident and resident’s family. We will assist in making any appointments you desire and will assist in providing transportation as necessary. Good dental health is important because it is closely related to the ability to receive proper nutrition. Even if the person wears dentures they may experience problems with gums or improper fit of their dentures and cause discomfort or pain.
Notice of Private Information Practices
Uses and disclosures of health information
This notice describes how medical information about you may
be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please
review it carefully.
We use health information about you for treatment, to obtain payment for treatment,
for administrative purposes, and to evaluate the quality of care that you receive.
We may use or disclose identifiable health information about you without your
authorization for several other reasons. Subject to certain requirements, we
may give out health information without your authorization for public health
purposes, for auditing purposes, for research studies, and for emergencies.
We provide information when otherwise required by law, such as for law enforcement
in specific circumstances. In any other situation, we will ask for your written
authorization for using and disclosing any identifiable health information about
you. If you choose to sign an authorization to disclose information, you can
later revoke that authorization to stop any future uses and disclosures.
We have a detailed Notice of Privacy Practices which more fully explains your
rights and our obligations under the law. We may change our policies at any
time. Before we make a significant change in our policies, we will change our
notice and post the new notice on our bulletin board. You can also request a
copy of our notice at any time. For more information about our privacy practices,
contact the person listed below.
Individual rights
In most cases, you have the right to look at or get a copy of health information
about you that we use to make decisions about you. If you request copies, we
will charge you a reasonable fee for each page. We will accommodate reasonable
requests you may have for health information to be communicated by alternate
means or at alternate locations. You also have the right to receive a list of
instances where we have disclosed health information about you for reasons other
than treatment, payment or related administrative purposes. If you believe that
information in your record is incorrect or if important information is missing,
you have the right to request that we correct the existing information or add
the missing information.
You may request in writing that we not use or disclose your information for
treatment, payment and administrative purposes except when specifically authorized
by you, when required by law, or in emergency circumstances. We will consider
your request but are not legally required to accept it. We will notify you if
we are unable to agree to a requested restriction.
Complaints
If you are concerned that we have violated your privacy rights, or you disagree
with a decision we made about access to your records, you may contact the person
listed below. A complaint will not result in retaliation. You also may send
a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The
person listed below can provide you with the appropriate address upon request.
Our legal duty
We are required by law to protect the privacy of your information, provide this
notice about our information practices, and follow the information practices
that are described in this notice.
If you have any questions or complaints, please contact:
Deryl Hoyt, Administrator
Holiday Hill, Inc.
325-625-4157
Ext 18
Nondiscrimination Policy
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
and its implementing regulation, Holiday Hill, Inc. will not directly or through
contractual arrangements, discriminate on the basis of race, color or national
origin in its admissions or its provision of services and benefits, including
assignments or transfers or referrals to or from the agency/facility. Staff
privileges (if appropriate) are granted without regard to race, color, or national
origin.
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing
regulation, Holiday Hill, Inc. will not directly or through contractual arrangements,
discriminate on the basis of disability in admissions, access, treatment or
employment. The administrator is designated as the coordinator for the implementation
of this policy.
In accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and its implementing regulation,
Holiday Hill, Inc. will not directly or through contractual or other arrangements,
discriminate on the basis of age in the provision of services, unless age is
a factor necessary to normal operations or the achievement of any statutory
objective.
Who else to call for other help, complaints or information!
Ombudsman
An ombudsman is a specially trained and certified individual who advocates for
quality care in Texas nursing homes and assisted living facilities. An ombudsman
is dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents and is independent of the facility.
The ombudsman serves as part of the regional aging services network supported
by the Office of the State LTC Ombudsman.
An ombudsman:
• Advocates for residents’ rights and quality care
• Helps protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents
• Resolves residents’ complaints
• Educates consumers and may provide technical assistance to providers
• Provides information to the public
An ombudsman can assess the resources of the State LTC Ombudsman Program and various other state and local regulatory agencies to help resolve complaints and concerns.
What can families do to help assure quality of care?
• Tell staff about your relative – His/Her life, interest, habits, beliefs,
likes/dislikes. etc.
• Help create a feeling of home – Furnish the new space to reflect the home
where they lived
• Be visible and involved – Frequent visits and active communication with the
resident and the staff can create good working relationships.
• Know who’s who on staff – Identify key staff who can answer your questions.
• Understand standards of care – Facilities must provide services in a way that
will help each resident live to his/her fullest potential – physically, mentally,
and emotionally. Know the rights of the resident.
• Know the facility – Review the most recent survey report which should be prominently
displayed. Check the resources listed below.
• Join a family council – A united voice is powerful and can be effective in
promoting better care.
• Get to know your ombudsman – The ombudsman is the resident’s advocate and
is a good source of information and help with nursing homes, residents’ rights,
eligibility criteria and other services for the elderly.
When should an ombudsman be called?
If a move to a place providing LTC is being considered, an ombudsman can share
information about the process. After admission, if there are any problems or
differences between facility staff and residents, the family should try to work
with staff to resolve issues whenever possible. When resolution is not happening,
or when you are unsure about what to do next, call 1-800-252-2412 and talk to
the local ombudsman. An ombudsman will assess the concerns and recommend possible
courses of action. Often, the ombudsman can resolve the problem without involving
the other groups or agencies. Sometimes, the resident council or family support
group is involved in the resolution. When the ombudsman can’t resolve the problem,
or when it involves abuse or neglect, the complaint is referred to the state’s
Long-Term Care Regulatory agency or to another appropriate agency. In all situations,
the complaint is handled confidentially and information is not released without
approval of the resident or legal guardian.
Texas LTC Ombudsman Program
1-800-252-2412
www.dads.state.tx.us
Long-Term Care Regulatory Services
Complaints & Customer Services
1-800-458-9858
Find and Compare
Texas Facilities
www.dads.state.tx.us
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Nursing Home Compare
1-800-633-4227
www.medicare.gov
Adult Protective Services
Financial Exploitation in LTC Facilities
Abuse and Neglect in the Community
1-800-252-5400
www.dfps.state.tx.us
Texas Attorney General
Medicaid Fraud Control
1-800-252-8011
www.oag.state.tx.us