Admissions–Frequently Asked Questions

General

The Village at Cloud Peak Ranch, a project of Green House Living for Sheridan, is a not-for-profit community supported skilled nursing home campus established to serve primarily elders of Sheridan and Johnson counties.  Our mission is based on the exciting philosophy of the Green House Project® which focuses on elders continuing their life’s journey with dignity, respect, meaning, hope and love, while keeping  as much independence as possible in a home setting.  Professional staff assures that elders live in a warm, comforting and supportive home.

Each elder has a private room and shower.  The elder is free to furnish the room with personal items and memorabilia.  There is a common kitchen and Elders come together to benefit from social time in the central hearth area.  Elders join with other residents, staff and family to enjoy meals in the dining area at a large harvest table.

Q:            How do I know if a skilled nursing home facility is appropriate for my loved on

A:            People who live in skilled nursing homes require help with daily living activities such as getting out of bed, eating, bathing, dressing or using the bathroom. You and your loved one, along with their doctor, other members of the healthcare team, family members, and close friends can help decide what is best.

Q:            What is the process that must be followed to be accepted to live in a home at the Village at Cloud Peak Ranch?

A:            Upon completion of the review by the Admissions Committee, a decision will be made based on the Elder’s needs and room availability for placement.  Elders, family members or legal representative must provide the following information prior to admission for review:

• Application for admissions, completed and signed.  Applications forms will be available in October 2011.
• Physician’s order stating the reason why a doctor feels that skilled nursing care is necessary
• Current medical history and physical updated within one month prior to admission.  This must be submitted by the applicant’s primary physician.
• Medical records with information about medications, medical conditions, records of surgeries and other medical procedures.
• List of current medications, including vitamins and supplements.
• Mantoux test for TB.
• Insurance information (Medicare card, Medicaid card, Supplemental Health insurance card, Pharmacy/Drug Prescription card).
• Evidence of a valid source of payment (private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, private long term care insurance).

If  the Elder is accepted to move into the home, the following information will be needed:

• Admission agreement signed by the Elder (or legally responsible 3^rd party) and the representative from GHLS
• Names, addresses and telephone number of family or friends with whom information may be shared about the elder.
• Other documents, if applicable
  • General Power of Attorney
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care decisions
  • Living will

Q:            What is the cost?

A:            The cost of living in a Green House home is approximately the same as any other skilled nursing facility.

Q:            What services are included in the cost for skilled nursing care?

A:            Each elder will have private room and bathroom, meals, standard nursing supplies, nursing services, medication administration, activities, social work services, linen and laundry service, personal hygiene, and special diets.  Pharmaceuticals not covered by Medicare D, telephone, oxygen, cable television, etc., will be billed in addition to the daily rate.

Q:            How is this care paid for?

A:            Upon opening the first two homes, the final inspection by the State surveyors will not be completed. Therefore, private pay and long term care insurance will be the first accepted forms of payments.  Medicaid and Medicare payments will be accepted after the homes are approved for federal certification by the State of Wyoming surveyors (our best estimate is two to three months after opening of the first homes, depending on surveyor scheduling).  After this inspection is satisfactorily completed, Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements can be received.

Q:            Is there a waiting list?

A:            GHLS will develop a waiting list to ensure organized access. If GHLS does not have an appropriate bed available at the time the referral is made, the Elder’s name is placed on a waiting list for future admission.  When a room becomes available, the first person on the list who meets the admission criteria is offered the room.

Q:            What are the admissions criteria?

A:              GHLS will accept and retain those for whom it determines that it can provide adequate and appropriate care.  Consideration will be given to the immediate and future mix within the homes and the impact on the financial condition of GHLS.  Preference will be given to those that live in the geographic area of Johnson and Sheridan counties.  The Admissions Committee will review each application.

Q:            When will Elders begin living in the homes at Village at Cloud Peak Ranch and when can we submit an application?

A:            The first two homes will open in January 2012.  The assessment and application process will begin in October 2011.  The second two homes should open in March 2012, and the application process will begin in January 2012.

Q:             Is there an age limitation?

A:            Residents will include the elderly as well as well as younger adults at least 19 years of age with physical or mental disabilities who are in need of skilled nursing care as determined by their physician.  In order for GHLS to admit Medicaid participants, an individual must be at least 65 years of age, legally blind, or disabled, as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Wyoming Department of Health.