Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing Home

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

A visit to the doctor to inform them of your intentions of admitting a family member to the nursing home. A physician must approve the admittance to the nursing home.

DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR NURSING HOME COST?

Medicare covers room and board charges for a short stay in the nursing home when a three-night hospital stay has occurred and your doctor feels you have a skilled need requiring skilled nursing or skilled therapy.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE NURSING HOME?

Whether someone comes to a skilled nursing facility for a few days or for long-term care, we want them to feel like they are at home. Light clothing and personal items should be brought along with items that will warm their heart, such as family photos, small keepsakes or a treasured blanket or pillow. We encourage you to visit the facility ahead of time to see what items would be most appropriate. Unlike assisted living communities, our skilled nursing facilities provide basic furniture and toiletries. However, items that can help provide comfort during a patient or resident’s stay would be welcome.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE IN PAYING FOR NURSING HOME COSTS?

You can visit the Missouri Department of Social Services website for information regarding how to apply for Vendor Medicaid services to assist with long term care cost.

WHAT SHOULD I LEAVE AT HOME?

While we encourage people to bring a few personal items, please leave jewelry, valuables, large amounts of money, purses/wallet, electrical items, including extension cords, space heaters and electric blankets at home. Only hospital grade power strips with the UL 1363 rating may be used.

DO I BRING MY OWN PERSONAL MEDICATIONS?

No, all medications-even over the counter medications- must be administered by our staff members, if you want your family member to have medication at bedside the physician will have write an order, have the resident complete a competency assessment and keep medications locked in a drawer.

CAN I EAT A MEAL WITH MY FAMILY MEMBER?

Yes, guest meals are $4.00 each; 24-hour notice is needed for a party of 4 or more.

DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS?

Yes, we provide transportation to doctor’s appointments. We have handicap accessible vehicles, if needed. We prefer that our scheduling department schedules the appointments. You are welcome to meet us at the appointment or a nurse will call after to update you. We encourage you to be involved with your family member’s care.

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE PHYSICIAN OR CAN I KEEP MY OWN PERSONAL PHYSICIAN?

Morningside center does not utilize a house doctor and we encourage you to keep your own physician.

WHAT DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR?

Medicare covers the cost of room and board charges, medication charges, and therapy charges if a three-night hospital stay has occurred and skilled criteria is met for the first 20 days. After the 20 days a co-pay is required by Medicare. Usually, Medicare supplemental insurance covers the co-pay if Medicare is primary.

DO YOU HAVE A SYLIST AND WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED?

We do have a full-time stylist who is employed by Morningside Center. For the ladies, our stylist will wash and set your family member’s hair and provide manicures. Scheduled times are once a week with touchups as needed. Chemical processing is $25.00 each. For the men, our stylist will provide haircuts, and facial hair trimming. Nail care is provided as needed by stylist.

HOW LONG CAN MY FAMILY MEMBER STAY AT NURSING HOME UNDER THE MEDICARE SKILLED BENEFIT?

While the average length of stay in a skilled nursing facility can be three to four weeks depending on the condition, every patient’s road to recovery is unique and based solely on the individual care plan and therapy progress. Medicare does allot for 100 days of skilled service.

WHEN WILL THERAPY START? HOW OFTEN WILL I RECEIVE THERAPY SERVICES?

Therapy usually begins within 24 hours of admittance; skilled therapy is five times a week for each discipline ordered. Generally, therapy is Monday through Friday, but there are exceptions in which it may occur on weekends.

CAN I SPEND THE NIGHT WITH MY FAMILY MEMBER?

In special circumstances overnight stays are approved by the Administrator.

CAN I BRING OUR FAMILY PET TO VISIT?

Absolutely! We welcome most family pets, including dogs and cats. Pets will need to be on a leash or in kennel, but can move in the room freely. Please remain with your pet during visit. Pets are not allowed in the dining areas. We may request vaccination records and some breed restrictions apply.

Assisted Living

WHAT IS THE COST?

Cost is based on the Apartment selected. The ALF supervisor will be glad to discuss cost of the different apartments. Does Medicare pay for the Assisted Living Apartment? Medicare does not pay towards the care of the Assisted Living Apartment. Does long-term care insurance pay for an apartment? Each policy is different. It is best to talk with the insurance agent about what the individual policy covers.

WHAT IS THE COST?

Cost is based on the Apartment selected. The ALF supervisor will be glad to discuss cost of the different apartments. Does Medicare pay for the Assisted Living Apartment? Medicare does not pay towards the care of the Assisted Living Apartment. Does long-term care insurance pay for an apartment? Each policy is different. It is best to talk with the insurance agent about what the individual policy covers.

AM I ALLOWED TO HAVE MY OWN VEHICLE?

Residents who reside in Morningside Center Apartments may maintain a personal vehicle if the following conditions are met: The resident possesses a valid, current Missouri driver’s license. The resident shows evidence of current/active liability insurance and maintains the insurance. The resident signs a release of liability. Written statement from their physician they are physically/mentally able to drive a vehicle.

ARE PETS ALLOWED?

Morningside Center has a no pet policy. Pets are welcome to visit in the facility. Pets can visit a resident in their apartment. The pet must be up to date on required vaccinations and must be on a leash or in a carrier and are the sole responsibility of the pet owner.

HOW ARE MEDICATIONS ADMINISTERED?

Resident medications are stored per manufactures instructions and are kept by the facility and are administered to residents by certified staff based on physician order. VA medications are utilized as facility policy allows.

DO THE APARTMENTS HAVE A KITCHEN IN THEM?

Apartments have a kitchenette, which consists of upper and lower cabinets, a small sink, and a refrigerator. Residents are permitted to have a coffee maker & microwave. Other small appliance must be approved by the Administrator.

WHAT ARE THE DINING OPTIONS?

Three meals and snacks are provided daily. Meals are served in the central dining room. Menus are under the review of a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that best fits the health needs of each resident.

ARE THERE SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES IN WHICH RESIDENTS MAY PARTICIPATE?

Yes. Morningside Center provides transportation for scheduled shopping trips, community events, and outdoor activities. We have other activities that take place within the facility.

IS THERE A PLACE FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS OR CLUB MEETINGS?

There is a private dining room and a community room for gathering with family members and small groups.

ARE TV, PHONE AND INTERNET SERVICES PROVIDED?

Each apartment is equipped with satellite TV hookup and hard-wire phone service hookup. Morningside Center provides basic satellite Retirement Home TV service at no additional cost. Facility Wi-Fi internet service is provided at no additional cost.

ARE SALON SERVICES AVAILABLE?

Yes. A full-service salon is available to all residents.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF AN APARTMENT?

  • The availability and assistance of an attendant 24 hours a day.
  • Administration of medications.
  • 3 meals in the central dining room.
  • Laundry services if wanted.
  • Cable TV connection.
  • Transportation to medical appointments.
  • Hair wash, cut and styled by a licensed stylist. 

MAY I BRING MY OWN FURNITURE?

Apartments are not furnished so residents need to bring their own furniture. Furniture must be clean and in good repair.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED?

Smoking and use of tobacco products of any kind by residents and visitors is prohibited on the premises of Morningside Center.

WILL I BE ALLOWED TO KEEP MY PHYSICIAN OR IS THERE A FACILITY PHYSICIAN?

Residents may retain their current physician if the physician agrees to follow their care and would be available in an emergency to see them locally. The facilities Medical Director is contacted for emergent situations in the absence of a resident’s personal physician.

IS REHABILITATION THERAPY AVAILABLE?

Yes. Physical Performance Systems provides rehabilitation therapy.

IS THERE NURSING COVERAGE?

There are trained certified staff members present and on duty 24 hours a day.

IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS?

Yes. Morningside Center provides transportation to medical appointments.

ARE THERE RELIGIOUS SERVICES?

Yes, religious services are offered.

ARE THERE PRIVATE BATHS AND BATHROOMS?

Yes. Each apartment has a private toilet, sink and shower.

HOW ARE HOUSEHOLD NEEDS MET?

Morningside Center provides maintenance free living. Staff members take care of your housekeeping and laundry needs.