Any time someone places a family member or loved one in a skilled nursing facility, there are bound to be questions. Those that we've heard most often are listed below, but if your specific question is not addressed here, please don't hesitate to call us at (561) 392-3000. We'll do our best to answer quickly and thoroughly.
 

What services are provided for patients who are admitted to Whitehall from the hospital?

Patients are evaluated by an interdisciplinary team consisting of nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, activities, social services and case management professionals, plus any physicians, dietary and other health care professionals who are deemed necessary.

Once all of the evaluations are completed, these professionals, along with the patient and family, discuss the patient's needs, prior level of function and disposition once rehabilitation has ended. A care plan is written, with goals established to help the patient and family achieve a positive outcome.

Who determines when it is time for a patient to be discharged from rehabilitative services?

Whitehall Boca uses a team-based assessment to work with patients and their families in setting goals for discharge planning within a realistic time frame. That assessment occurs shortly after admittance and includes professionals from case management and social services, plus therapists appropriate to the patient’s particular condition. The team talks to the patient and family members about all aspects of the patient’s condition, then develops a plan of care and estimated length of stay.

Of course, the team — along with the patient’s physician — continually monitors progress and makes adjustments when needed.

What happens if a patient is not able to return home?

When a patient is unable to return to his or her prior level of functioning and must remain in a long-term care environment, our social workers work closely with the family to determine the best type of setting for the patient. This will be determined by the patient's physical and cognitive abilities as well as the financial resources that are available.

I have always heard that a "nursing home" was just a place for people to go when they get too old to live alone.

This is very far from the truth. Patients of all ages are admitted to Whitehall from the hospital as well as from home. Their ages range from 18 to 102. Most of the patients are admitted for short-term rehabilitation after surgery or medical complications that require nursing intervention and/or physical rehabilitation.

What happens if I don't like my roommate?

We try to place people together whom we believe will be appropriate roommates. But not knowing our residents well before they arrive sometimes results in a situation that may be uncomfortable. Please contact your social worker when this happens and a room change will be made just as soon as possible.

I'm concerned about falling.

We all are at risk for falls. If you have been falling at home we will not be able to prevent you from falling while a resident at Whitehall Boca. Falls cannot be prevented. However, there are a number of precautions we take to minimize the risk. Please let the nurse on your floor know if you think there is a special risk from falling.

What about medication while I'm at Whitehall Boca Raton?

If you are supposed to get a medication at a particular time, please remember that it is an acceptable "standard of practice" to administer that medication within a two-hour window of that time. If you are here under the Medicare program, Medicare pays only for the medications that you take while a resident at Whitehall Boca. You will not be sent home with any medications. However, it is the responsibility of the nurse to coordinate the ordering of prescriptions with your physician.

If you are a private pay resident, you will most likely find that your medications are more expensive than they were when you ordered from a pharmacy. This is because we are subject to a great deal of regulation with regard to the administration of medications, which significantly increases their cost. If you are a private pay resident, unused medications will be sent home with you. Discontinued medications will be returned to the pharmacy for a credit less a dispensing fee. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Maalox and Tylenol are provided at no charge.

Whitehall Boca Raton, 7300 Del Prado South, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Phone: (561) 392-3000; Fax: (561) 392-6031