In light of these changes, is The Hearthstone still a CCRC?
Yes. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is defined as a living option that provides seniors with the opportunity to “age in place” or live in one location for as long as they need. Because most long-term care needs can now be met outside of a skilled nursing environment, an Assisted Living operation that is properly managed, staffed, trained, and equipped can meet the vast majority of long-term care needs. In rare instances when a resident’s needs cannot be met by the enhanced assisted living services offered at our Green Lake campus, the resident can transfer to any number of area providers while remaining a member of the Hearthstone’s continuum.

How will the discontinuation of on-site skilled nursing services impact the organization’s overall care services?
This change affords us the opportunity to enhance and integrate our already exceptional higher levels of care services, ultimately meeting higher acuity, cognitive impairment and long-term care needs in our assisted living setting.

What steps will the organization take to ensure transparency during this process?
We are committed to full and transparent communication throughout this process. Regular updates will be provided to all stakeholders and open lines of communication will be maintained to address any questions or concerns.

How will this change impact resident care?
The complimentary skilled nursing days benefit that is included in all CCRC contracts will remain intact for members of our care continuum. Assisted Living and Cognitive Support services will be expanded to provide additional and higher acuity care on The Hearthstone’s campus. The transition process prioritizes the well-being of, and the continuity of care for, those CCRC residents currently in our on-site skilled nursing unit.

Will there be assistance for families during this transition?
Yes, we understand that this transition can be challenging for residents and families. Our team will provide coordinated care and case management through the transition. Please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Rose Dracobly at (206) 517-2239 with any case management questions or concerns.

What will happen following a hospital stay?
Continuity of care and communication between participating organizations will continue at its current high level. Should a medical team determine that placement in a skilled nursing setting is necessary prior to returning to the Community, our case management team will identify the best skilled nursing solution based on the resident’s particular needs. Otherwise, The Hearthstone and hospital social workers will collaborate to ensure a smooth transition back to The Hearthstone campus, either to our higher acuity Assisted Living area or their independent living apartment when appropriate.

What happens to residents’ medical records?
Medical records will be securely transferred to any new healthcare providers that are involved in a resident’s care. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and accessibility of all relevant medical information in accordance with HIPAA.

What is the prognosis for small Skilled Nursing facilities?
The presence of onsite skilled nursing care in a CCRC environment is changing nationwide. Smaller facilities are facing tremendous economic pressure to continue operations, and many are predicted to close in the future, if they have not already done so. The levels of long-term care typically found in a skilled nursing setting will likely be incorporated into higher acuity Assisted Living models similar to that of The Hearthstone.

What will happen to the Health Center staff?
The Hearthstone will make every effort to support any Health Center employee that is displaced by the closure of our skilled nursing operation including:

• An offer to transition to open positions in the community
• Severance payments where applicable based on tenure
• Extensive support by The Hearthstone’s Human Resources Department
• Assistance with filing and receiving unemployment benefits
• The timely payment of any accrued vacation time

What additional support will be provided to impacted SNF staff during the transition?
The Hearthstone’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides counseling services and resources that are available to help staff cope with the emotional and professional challenges associated with this change. Our Human Resources Department will work with affected staff to connect them to resources as needed.