FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Homes
Welcome to Big Bend Retreat, Inc. We are here to provide pleasant, safe accommodations and necessary care that is unavailable or impractical for our elderly at home. This is a place to live for people who need nursing care and/or help with activities of daily living.
The following are questions frequently asked about nursing homes:
1. What about payment of charges?
Big Bend Retreat, Inc. is privately owned facility. We do not participate in the Medicare-Medicaid program(s) at this time by choice. The only financial assistance available at Big Bend Retreat, Inc. is the “cash grant” program administered by the Family Services Office in Marshall, or long-term-care insurance. Big Bend Retreat, Inc. will be happy to file claims for those having this insurance. The person with financial responsibility is obligated to pay the daily charges (in advance) each month.
2. What are the daily rates in the Residential Care Facility (RCF)?
Current charge is $61.00 per day semi-private and $83.00 per day private.
What are the daily rates in the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)?
Current charge is $71.00 per day semi-private and $83.00 per day private.
3. Does the daily rate include laundry service?
Yes, laundry is included in the daily charge. The family may choose to do the laundry; however, the latter will have no effect on the daily charge.
4. What other charges might be incurred?
A. If a resident is incontinent, we use adult briefs to keep the skin dry and healthy. We charge our cost for this product.
B. The cost of medical supplies is charged to the resident. This might include catheters, bandages, etc. If a resident is eligible for Medicare, allowed charges are sent through Medicare and the responsible party would then have to pay the co-insurance and twenty percent.
5. What about a doctor?
The family may choose any doctor they wish who agrees to come to Big Bend Retreat, Inc. to see the resident. Local doctors are preferred because of convenience. Doctor’s fees are not included in the daily rate. The responsible party is obligated to pay fees to the doctor. Doctor’s visits are like house calls and are billed through the doctor’s office.
6. What about medicine?
The family may purchase medicines from any pharmacy they choose. The cost of medicine is not included in the daily rate. The responsible party is obligated to pay the pharmacy for drugs. All medications administered at Big Bend Retreat, Inc. must be prescribed and authorized by the attending physicians. This includes over-the-counter medications.
7. What about haircuts and professional hair care?
We currently have two professional hairdressers cutting men’s hair and fixing the women’s hair, including perms. These charges will be added to the residents' monthly billing.
8. Can we bring a TV for Mom or Dad?
Yes, however, if the other resident in a semi-private room already has a TV, a mutually agreeable condition must be reached. There is a $15.00 per month charge for cable. This charge will be added to the resident’s monthly billing.
9. What about a phone in the room?
A private phone may be installed at the resident’s personal expense. The telephone company will install the phone and the bill will be sent to either the resident or the responsible party. Each resident must furnish his or her own phone.
10. Can we bring personal items for the room?
Yes. Favorite chairs, pictures, etc. are welcome and encouraged provided they do not infringe upon the roommate’s living area.
11. What about meals?
Meals are included in the daily charge. Special diets prescribed by doctors can be provided. Family members or visitors are welcome to eat meals with the resident. Cost of guest meals is $3.00 each, except that holiday meals are $5.00 each. We are unable to provide special diets for guests.
12. Who monitors the care at Big Bend Retreat, Inc. besides the staff?
Big Bend Retreat, Inc. is proud to participate in the Ombudsman Program in the State of Missouri. An ombudsman is appointed by the Department of Health & Senior Services and visits our home often to talk with the residents about any problems they may be having. She works as an advocate between the residents and the facility.
A Resident Council is also held monthly to address any needs the residents have expressed to the council and solutions with the staff are discussed.
13. Our entire staff is here to accommodate visitors, residents, and families everyday in any way that will be beneficial to you. However, our first priority is to see that our residents receive the best care possible. When you tour our facility, please feel free to make suggestions on how to improve our facility.
14. Big Bend Retreat, Inc. is proud to be a “Smoke-Free Facility”, and we appreciate your support in smoking off the premises.
If we have not answered all of your questions, concerns or needs, please feel free to contact the office (660) 529-2237 and ask for Debby or Margie.
Thank you for your interest in Big Bend Retreat, Inc. If the need arises, we hope you will give us a call. Please ask for our list of references from previous residents and/or their families. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Sincerely,
Debby Hinnah
Administrator
