Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid is a federal government program run by each individual state. It provides health coverage for some low income people, the elderly and those with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria. There are different eligibility rules for single, widowed and married individuals. Medicaid is available for those living in the community and to residents of a nursing home.

Nursing Home Medicaid is a specific Medicaid program that helps pay for long-term custodial care for an individual living in a Medicaid-certified nursing home. As part of the eligibility process, a Patient Review Instrument (PRI) and Screen are required for confirm the individual meets the clinical criteria for nursing home level of care. Once approved, Medicaid contributes toward the cost of care, and individuals have a required monthly contribution determined by Medicaid based on their net monthly income.

Those applying for nursing home Medicaid require the assistance of a designated representative. This person will need to be able to answer all eligibility questions and have access to the individual’s financial records. A Durable Power of Attorney or able-bodied spouse would be considered designated representatives.

For married individuals, Medicaid considers the combined assets of both spouses when determining eligibility. Typically one spouse is still living in the community and the other is living in a nursing home. Medicaid allows the community spouse to keep the home in which they live in, its contents, their automobile and a certain amount of the couples combined assets.

All nursing home Medicaid applications require a financial look back. This is when Medicaid examines the applicant’s financial records during the previous five years. Any gifts of money, transfers of assets or properties sold or transferred will be reviewed. Medicaid will determine if these are considered valid or invalid transfers. An invalid transfer may result in a delay of nursing home Medicaid coverage.

Due to the complexities of the Medicaid process, hiring a Medicaid attorney or agency to assist the designated representative is advised.

The New York State PRI (Patient Review Instrument) & New York State Screen are two different assessments that are required for admission to any Skilled Nursing Facility. The PRI and Screen can be completed by a certified nurse. Home Care Agencies may be able to provide this nurse if requested. There is a fee involved when having a PRI and Screen completed at home.

Once completed, the PRI and Screen will determine the cognitive and physical abilities of an individual and a score is given based on these findings. A nursing home or assisted living can look at this score and determine if the patient is at an appropriate level for the type of care the facility is able to provide. This evaluation is also a good tool for family to start looking for an appropriate level of care for their loved one since this evaluation is an objective review of what level of care the individual is scoring and needs.

Once completed, the PRI and Screen is valid for 90 days unless there is change in the health status of the individual.

The average length of stay is 15 days. However some patients need much less time or some need more in order to achieve their goals. This is all based on individual progress.

How often does a patient receive therapy?

Therapy is available seven days a week. Program frequency and duration will be determined by an occupational and physical therapist. Generally programs are 6 times per week with 2 sessions per day.

Yes. After the initial evaluations are completed and a plan of care has been established, an occupational and physical therapist will be assigned to the patient so they may oversee the entire rehab process.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Yes – you must provide a prescription for therapy from your doctor prior to receiving services. We will periodically check in with your referring physican to update them on your progress.

It depends on your insurance coverage and your current plan. It is best to give your insurance company a call prior to making an appointment to discuss possible co-pays or deductibles.

We offer physical, occupational and speech therapy services in an outpatient setting.

You can speak with our receptionist at (716)759-7680 to make an appointment. She will ask for information regarding your current insurance policy, referring physican name and reason for visit.

It depends on the reason for your visit. Patients are typically treated 1-3 times per week.

Yes! At Sacred Heart Home we respect and encourage you to stay independent within your ability. We promote your wellness by offering enrichment programs, community trips, religious services and individually guided activities.

Yes absolutely. You may have assistance with hygienic care, we help you keep your room clean and tidy with our maintenance and housekeeping staff and assist in personalized laundering of your clothing. Health service staff is on 24/7, so you are never without someone to assist you.

When you decide to join us at Sacred Heart Home, we encourage visitors and consider them an important part of your life. Our dining services offer private dining for special events based on space and availability. The case manager is available to help you with any part of this transition.

Yes. We have an active resident council where concerns, suggestions and compliments are listened to and, when appropriate, acted upon. This council is a protected and safe venue to speak with the administrative team.

You may keep your community physician. We have a nurse practitioner who addresses most of our residents medical needs. Since this nurse practitioner routinely sees residents at Sacred Heart Home, it helps to minimize the families need to transport their loved one to a community physician for routine care.

We have two types of one bedroom apartments; a suite which accommodates one person, and a larger one bedroom which accommodates a single resident or a couple.

If you meet the income requirements, you may apply for either size apartment.

We have an activity calendar with a range of activities for those who want to participate. Residents may socialize with others as often as they wish, or not at all. That’s your call.

The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus offers all types of senior living options and, based on certain criteria, we do our best to ensure that your needs are met on every level at one of our communities.

Although we do not offer any type of care or services at Trier Woods independent living apartments, you may bring in meal service, medical services or any other type of services you would bring into a private home.

There is no entrance or application fee. Upon acceptance of an apartment, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent is due as well as a $50 check per person for a credit and criminal background check.

Daily breakfast is provided as well as the choice between lunch or dinner. All meals are served restaurant style in our dining room. We also offer accommodations for those who choose to dine in their apartments.

We offer a nightly chef special as well as provide a full restaurant style menu of options for residents to choose from. Our kitchen team takes into account residents’ dietary restrictions such as Gluten Free and/or Vegetarian options. Please call for more information regarding our options.

As a resident of Montabaur Heights, you will receive priority consideration to all higher levels of care offered on the Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus. We offer Assisted Living and Memory Care at the Sacred Heart Home, along with rehabilitation, skilled nursing or palliative care in the Brothers of Mercy Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Montabaur Heights does provide a Snow Bird discount. If a resident is out of the building for 10 consecutive days or more they will receive of credit on their following months statement.

We can refer you to third party providers who can provide guidance with downsizing, estate sales, selling your current home, as well as help you move into Montabaur Heights.

We understand that pets are considered part of your family and can be essential for your emotional well-being. Montabaur Heights has dedicated apartments in the building for small dogs (under 25 pounds) and other pets. There is a $25 monthly charge for the pet.