Nursing Home: Residents on Medicare, November 4, 2013

Important Information About Drug Coverage For Nursing Home Residents on Medicare. While you live in a nursing home you can enroll in, or change, Medicare drug plans at ANY TIME with SHIIP help.

20 Common Nursing Home Problems - and How to Resolve Them, July 2015

Includes a brief introduction to Medicare & Medicaid, 20 problems common to nursing facilities & suggestions as how to resolve them.

SHIIP Nursing Facility Notice, June 29, 2012

Important information about drug coverage for Nursing Home residents on Medicare

Can my mom have a private nursing home room even though she depends on Medicaid funding? August 22, 2013

Information on qualifying for a private nursing home room if on Medicaid funding

Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home, March 2014

This booklet explains how to find and compare nursing homes and other long-term care options; how to pay for nursing home care; your rights as a nursing home resident and alternatives to nursing home care. Not all nursing homes are certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid.

What is an Ombudsman? 2014

The focus of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office is to advocate for the rights and wishes of residents and tenants in long-term care. In fact, resident’s rights are guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. This law requires nursing facilities to promote and protect the rights of each resident and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. Iowa has incorporated these rights into state law for residential care and nursing facility residents, assisted living and elder group home tenants. The Long-Term Ombudsman helps residents, tenants, and their families and friends understand and exercise these guaranteed rights. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s responsibilities are outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act.

Resident Rights, March 26, 2015

Resident rights are guaranteed by the Federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law and Iowa Code. It requires long-term care facilities to promote and protect the rights of residents and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. Staff shall provide privacy and maintain dignity and respect. Residents shall be free from abuse and restraints. Residents may participate in planning of care and medical treatment.

Holiday Visits and Gifts, November 2014

With the holidays fast approaching questions inevitably arise concerning a resident’s right and ability to leave a nursing facility. Residents often want to join in family festivities but may believe that leaving a nursing facility for a period of time is not an option because they may lose their source of payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or a long term care insurance policy or lose their room all together.

What is the Medicaid Elderly Waiver Program, 2015

Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Elderly Waiver Program. The Elderly Waiver Program provides services and supports to older Iowans who are medically qualified for the level of care provided at a nursing facility (but do not wish to live in a nursing home); are 65 years of age or older; and eligible for Medicaid.

Nursing Facilities Private Room Supplementation Report, May 2015

SF2160 (2012) allowed nursing facilities to collection additional payment about the Medicaid payment form residents and families who desire a private room. This is referred to as private room supplementation. The legislation set out numerous requirement that must be met for facilities who supplement the Medicaid rate by charging for a private room.

Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities, May 19, 2015

Explanation of the rights of resident in Long-Term care facilities.

Right of Long-Term Care Residents/Tenants to Participate in Research Studies, November 12, 2015

Explanation of the right of Long-Term Care residents or tenants to participate in research studies. Includes the guidelines for participation.

Sexual Expression among Long-Term Care Residents, September 27, 2013

Sexuality among the aging traditionally been overlooked. It is gaining recognition as an important factor in lives of older adults and part of the aging process. Preserving residents' right to freedom of sexual expression in the long-term care environment is important part of the resident-centered care & residents' rights

Safe Visiting, March 20, 2103

For most of us a cold, or even the flu, poses nothing more than a minor inconvenience, some time at home in bed, and maybe a trip to see your physician. For residents and tenants in long-term care settings, however, coming down with the flu can be life threatening. Compromised immune systems and respiratory or cardiac issues can become more than just a challenge. Because of this, it is important to think about how a safe environment can be maintained while at the same time allowing for visitors and social activities.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Role in Involuntary Discharges, November 25, 2014

Iowa law requires that a copy of the Notice of an Involuntary Discharge action given to residents of nursing facilities or residential care facilities also be given to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. In addition, the law requires that a copy of the Notice of an Involuntary Transfer/Eviction action given to tenants of an elder group home or assisted living program also be given to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.