Glossary of Terms

The initial assessment takes place before the resident moves into Hearthstone to determine the appropriateness of the placement and the care needs of the individual. This is done by Hearthstone's licensed nurse. An individualized preliminary Care Plan is then written and staff is prepared to assist appropriately at the time the individual becomes a resident.

A licensed nurse, an administrator, an activity staffperson, and a dietary consultant, when needed, constitute the Care Conference Team.

Within 30 days of residency, there will be a follow-up assessment with the Care Conference Team, the resident, and any family members who wish to participate. A written notice will be given regarding the date and time. At this assessment the needs of the resident will be evaluated to assure that the care is appropriate for the needs of the resident. A new Care Plan will be written.

After the initial 30 days of residency, every 90 days there will be on-going Care Conferences with the Care Conference Team, the resident and any family members who wish to participate. A written notice will be given well in advance regarding the date and time. At each conference the Care Plan will be updated to reflect any changes. This is not only a state requirement but also an integral part of Hearthstone's Health Services in order to provide the desired and needed care.

If there is a hospitalization or the resident's care needs change between assessment dates, the nurse will evaluate the resident and make the appropriate changes in the Care Plan as well as communicate any changes with the appropriate family member.

At each assessment the care needed will determine the Level of Care required by the resident. The care is then translated into "Staff Tasks" which calculates approximately the time needed to perform specific tasks; an example would be: escort service to and from the dining room 3 times daily. Another example might be: daily incontinence care or diabetic care. This in turn determines the amount of staffing needed to complete the required tasks.

Time required for Staff Tasks has been determined by an international company that specializes in assisted living. This company has done extensive research and fortunately for Hearthstone they are based in the greater Portland area and very involved with our health care services. Levels of Care based on Staff Tasks is a safeguard both for the resident and for Hearthstone: the resident will not be charged for unnecessary tasks and Hearthstone is able to assess residents in an objective manner.

Care Levels increase in increments of $500 per level, or $250 per half level and will be determined based upon resident needs, and in cooperation with the family, the resident and the Hearthstone Administrator.

Three restaurant-style meals a day in a full-service dining room. Noon and evening meal times feature a choice of two entrees. A private dining room seating 12 is also available upon request for special gatherings.

An awake staff is available 24 hours a day with an excellent staffing ratio.

A full-time Registered Nurse directs a Health Services Team consisting of an RN Community Nurse as well as medication aides and caregivers. One of our RN nurses is on-call when not on-site.

Residents are given a Life Line pendant and a strategically placed call button in their bathroom. The pendant may also be used to answer the phone in order to minimize the possibility of an unnecessary fall.

Special interests and hobbies are incorporated into our activity program that includes entertainment, dancing, outings, arts and crafts, games and more.

Medical transportation is provided on Thursdays only within a 10-mile radius, and if the resident is able to manage their own appointment information. Residents may enjoy shopping, or other bus outings on Wednesdays and every other Saturday.

Each apartment is cleaned weekly and trash removed daily. Laundry service includes linens, towels and personal laundry (bed changed weekly by staff). Residents provide their own towels and linens at Hearthstone.

All utilities including extended television cable and individually controlled heating and air conditioning are included in the basic rate as well as private mail boxes.