Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nursing care is provided?
Augsburg offers various levels of care in a variety of units including skilled, intermediate, and dementia units. There are licensed R.N.s and L.P.N.s as well as other nursing personnel on duty 24 hours a day to provide for your nursing needs.

What about physician services?
We have a Medical Director who, with his associates, provides for all medical services at the Home and is available for medical emergencies. In addition, the Nursing Department arranges for dental, podiatrist, ophthalmological, audiological, and dermatological services. X-rays or laboratory tests as ordered by the physician are also arranged through the Nursing Department. Should hospitalization be required, all arrangements for transfer to the hospital will be made by the Nursing Department in cooperation with Augsburg’s physicians.

Are special therapies available?
Arrangements are made by the Nursing Department for physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialized services as ordered by Augsburg’s physicians.

How may I participate in my care?
Care plan meetings are held every 90 days so that the Nursing Department, Activities Department, Dietetics, Social Services, and Physical Therapy may discuss your care. Both you and your personal representative are invited to attend this meeting.

How do I summon a nurse?
A call cord is available by your bed should you need any immediate attention. There is also a call cord in every bathroom for emergency attention.

What about medications?
Medications are administered by your nurse only as prescribed by your physician. Any request for reevaluation or changes in medications should be directed to your physician or the Director of Nursing. All medications must be ordered through the pharmacy serving Augsburg. A consultant pharmacist reviews your medication record as least once a month. In accordance with Health Department rules, it is the Home’s policy that no medications of any kind may be brought in by visitors nor may you keep any medications in your room. This includes aspirin, cough drops, antacids, creams, etc., unless approved by your physician.

How will I pay for my care?
In addition to private pay, Augsburg accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and other long term care reimbursement. Information on these programs is available through our Admissions Office.

What will my room be like?
The rooms at the Home are bright and cheerful and contain the required furnishings and linens. Use of your own furniture, such as a bureau, chair, or lamp, may be possible, provided it has been approved by the Director of Social Services and safety checked by the Environmental Services Department. You are also encouraged to bring small personal items to make you feel more at home, such as your own clock, calendar, and small pictures. All rooms have a call system to the nursing station.

How about a TV or radio?
There are color TV sets in the lounge areas, but you are encouraged to bring your own portable television (up to 19“) and/or radio for your room. Electrical items such as a lamp, clock, VCR, shaver, and hair dryer are also acceptable. All electrical items must be safety checked by the Environmental Services Department. No extension cords are permitted nor are microwave ovens, refrigerators, heating pads, hot plates, or coffee brewers. Consideration of other residents must, of course, guide the use of TVs and radios. We are not connected to a cable TV network.

May I have a phone in my room?
Yes, you or your family may make arrangements with a local telephone service provider to install your own personal telephone. You will be billed directly by the telephone company. Charges for moving your phone to another room are your responsibility. In addition, public telephones are available for your use.

What personal belongings should I bring?
You will need your hair brush and comb, shaving equipment, toiletries and cosmetics, all in non-breakable containers. Also, bring pen, pencil, stationery, and stamps. If there are any handicrafts or hobbies in which you are interested, such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, sketching, etc., be sure to bring the necessary materials. Additional supplies are available through the Activities Department. We keep an itemized list of your valuables. In order to help us do this, it is the responsibility of your family or you to provide the office with a written list of all valuables brought into or taken from the facility at any time. It is not advisable to wear or to keep any valuables in your room. Health Department regulations do not permit the use of any appliances, electric blankets, or heating pads in your room. Extension cords, small rugs, and footstools are hazardous and may not be used.

What clothing will I need?
People feel better when they are dressed; therefore, we encourage everyone to be up and fully dressed each day. We recommend that you bring sufficient quantities of clothing to permit you to be comfortably dressed at all times. A few washable permanent press dresses or washable permanent press slacks and shirts, plus items such as shoes, hosiery, underwear, washable sweaters, slippers, bathrobe, and sleepwear, will be an appropriate wardrobe. Pack lightly! It is not necessary or possible to store large quantities of clothing. Closets may have no more than one layer on the floor; that is, no piling of items on the closet floor is permitted. No storage is permitted under resident beds for cleanliness purposes and to facilitate housekeeping. It is essential that all of your personal clothing be clearly marked with your name as it can be difficult to track down an unmarked item. An iron-on tape label, which will be supplied to you by Augsburg, must be applied to all garments. You will receive instructions for application with the name tapes.

How frequently will my room be cleaned?
Major housecleaning of rooms is done in the Spring and Fall on a scheduled basis. You will be advised of your date in advance since it will be necessary for you to leave your room for that period. Windows, beds, floors, walls, ceiling, mirrors, sinks, and the dusting of furniture are included in this task. Small housekeeping tasks are done on a daily basis.

How will my laundry get done?
Sheets, pillow cases, and towels are laundered in the laundry room on the lower level. This service is provided as part of your room and board agreement at no extra charge to you. You should arrange, if possible, to have personal laundry cared for by your personal representative. If this is not possible, laundry may be sent to Augsburg’s laundry for an additional charge per week. Regular pickups of soiled laundry are made by laundry personnel. All clothing washed by Augsburg must be permanent press.

What about meals at the home?
We are proud of our excellent meals which are prepared in our state-of-the-art kitchen and we provide whatever therapeutic diets your physician may prescribe. Due to diet restrictions, all food brought into the Home must be cleared by the Nursing Department. There may be times when family or friends may wish to make gifts of certain foods to you. You are permitted one container for imperishable food in your room in which all food must be kept. Meal times are as follows: BREAKFAST - 7:15 AM; LUNCH - 12:15 PM; DINNER - 5:15 PM.

What about food in my room?
Food in your room must be kept in a sealed container. We recommend a Rubbermaid-type container. Only one container of food, kept in a single location, is allowed per resident. Food brought to the Home may be left with the Nursing Supervisor who will give it to the resident. No perishable foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and breads are allowed in the room unless they are to be eaten when they are brought in. Foods that interfere with a resident’s special diet (e.g., diabetic, low sodium, or low calorie) are not permitted.

When may I have visitors?
It is very important for you to maintain contact with your family and friends. Visitors, including children, are welcome daily between the hours of 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. All visitors are required to sign in at the reception desk. Visitors will be issued a badge to be worn in full view during their visit. Visitors must sign out and return their badges when leaving. If your guests live out of town, they may come to see you at any reasonable hour, provided arrangements have been made with the nursing office. Families and friends are encouraged to spend special days with you. Arrangements can be made through the Dietary Department or Activities Department to use a lounge for special events. For the convenience of your visitors, vending machines for beverages are available in the employee lounges located on the ground floors of the East Wing and West Wing. Meal tickets are available for your family and friends from the Business Office weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tickets must be purchased by 11:00 AM for lunch and by 4:30 PM for dinner.

May I have a pet?
You cannot have a pet in your room due to Health Department regulations. Your friend or family member may bring a pet dog or cat to visit if Augsburg has on file a current rabies certificate. Please check first with either the Director of Activities or Director of Social Services. Augsburg does participate in the ”Pets on Wheels“ program.

Are barber and beautician services available?
Looking good is a big part of feeling good, so Augsburg has its own beauty salon/barber shop located on the ground floor of the East Wing. Beauticians are on the premises on a regular weekly schedule and a barber once monthly. The nursing staff, social worker, or Activities Department can help you arrange an appointment. Prices are moderate and the charge can be deducted from your personal account, if you so desire.

What about mail?
Incoming letters and packages for East Wing residents are available in mailboxes located in the reception area or from the receptionist after lunch. Mail is delivered to residents unable to pick up their own mail and to the residents in the West Wing. A convenient outgoing box is located in the center of the Main I hallway.

What if I want to leave for the day or for a few days?
You may leave the Home with a family member during the day, overnight, or for longer periods provided you have made arrangements with the Nursing Supervisor. There may be some restrictions on overnight stays. For example, residents covered by Medicaid are allowed 18 overnight stays outside the facility per year. For overnight leaves, the Nursing Department requires a minimum of 24 hours notice. Please contact the Nursing Office between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to make such arrangements. To assure adequate medication, it is essential that you let the charge nurse or supervisor know when you are leaving the premises and when you have returned. The procedure requires that you sign in and out at the appropriate nursing station when leaving and returning.

How will I spend my time?
It is vital to your aliveness that your days be filled with interesting things to do. To provide this, Augsburg has developed a full ”Quality of Life“ program. The Activities Department offers a broad spectrum of social, recreational, educational, and religious activities. They are planned with the expectation that you will find a satisfying and creative outlet for your talents and interests. There are many activities in which you will be able to participate. Calendars listing the activities for the current month are posted in the lobby and included in the monthly newsletter. Activities announcements are also made over the public address system and in the main dining room. The Director of Activities will visit you and help you select the activities which are of interest to you. Included in the activities program are bingo, crafts, ceramics, card games, social hours, sing-alongs, movies, birthday and special parties, art classes, exercise classes, current events, trips, outings, and other interesting programs. A monthly newsletter describes special events and news about residents.

What religious services are provided?
We have a chaplain living on the grounds who conducts worship services on Sundays and Bible Study classes weekly. He is on call when needed. Your own pastors are always welcome and encouraged to visit you in your new home. If, upon your death, your personal representative cannot be reached, your pastor would be called and Augsburg will arrange for your transfer to the funeral home of your choice. This information would have been obtained at the time of admission. The expense, of course, belongs to your family for whatever arrangements you would have made.

What if I have a problem?
The Administrator and all department heads are available to you if you have a problem or concern about your care. Do not hesitate to speak up and let us know if everything isn’t exactly the way you feel it should be. We would like to know. Additionally, if you have a personal or family problem you would like to discuss, ask to speak to the social worker or the chaplain. They will be glad to talk with you in strict confidence. On weekends, an Administrative Duty Officer is available to handle any special problems or concerns.

Is there a Resident Council at the Home?
Yes, a group of elected residents meets regularly as representatives of all residents to share their concerns and suggestions with appropriate staff and Board members. Through this forum you are able to participate in the planning of activities and events as well as to bring problems to the attention of the Administrator or department heads.

A Resident Handbook is provided at the time of
admission to answer these and other questions.