Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. A dementia diagnosis alone does not automatically require Memory Care. Our team evaluates each individual’s needs, safety, behaviors, and level of support to determine the best environment.

Our Memory Care unit is designed for individuals with more advanced cognitive impairment or behaviors such as wandering, exit-seeking, or increased confusion who may benefit from a more structured, secure, and less stimulating setting. Many individuals with early or moderate dementia can do well in a traditional skilled nursing environment with the right support in place.

We welcome visits from family pets subject to our pet policies. Proof of rabies vaccination must be provided upon the initial visit. Please keep your pet on a leash, clean up after the animal, and take proper safety measures at all times. We kindly ask that all visiting pets be well-behaved to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Our Admissions Coordinator will guide you through the necessary admission forms and provide direction on financial matters. They will review the rules and regulations regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and various insurance providers, as well as discuss options and requirements for Private Pay. If you have further questions, our Business Office is available to help with your specific financial and billing concerns. To discuss these matters in detail, please make an appointment to see our Business Office Manager by contacting the front desk or receptionist.

Our Social Services team is dedicated to supporting residents and families throughout their stay at Brookside Inn. Acting as a liaison between residents, families, and our care team, our social workers help ensure a connected and personalized experience.

Social workers assist with care planning and coordination of services including dental, vision, podiatry, audiology, mental health support, cognitive screenings, discharge planning, and advance directives. We also help connect residents and families with valuable community resources and are always available to address questions, concerns, or additional support needs.

To ensure every voice is heard, Brookside Inn maintains a formal grievance process so feedback can be addressed promptly and appropriately.

Our Admissions Coordinator will provide a recommended packing list to help make the transition as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We encourage individuals to bring personal items, favorite photos, and familiar belongings to help create a warm and comforting space that feels like home.

To keep the room safe and easy to navigate, we recommend bringing items gradually and being mindful of the amount of belongings brought into the space.

An Ombudsman serves as a dedicated advocate for residents, and a valuable resource for their families. As a neutral third party not employed by the facility, they visit periodically to monitor activities and ensure the highest standards of care. While they do not have authority to direct facility operations, they serve as an independent voice for any resident who may have a concern, ensuring their rights and preferences are always at the forefront of their care.

Residents are welcome to leave Brookside Inn for outings, provided they have the necessary authorization from their physician. To ensure a smooth transition, please coordinate these arrangements through the Social Services department as soon as a timeline for the outing has been identified. Depending on the residents’ needs, Brookside may encourage residents and their family members to participate in training related to safe movement, transfer techniques, and medication administration. Before leaving the community, please check out with the resident’s nurse and fill out the Resident-Sign-out book located at the reception desk.

Physicians generally see residents upon admission and once every 30 days thereafter. However, our nursing professionals are in regular contact with all of the physicians that visit the facility. Some insurance companies require that physicians visit more often. Check with our nursing staff for further information.

To ensure that residents’ nutritional and medical needs are met, please always consult with the nursing staff before bringing any outside food into the facility. This is particularly important for those following specific dietary plans or medical protocols. For safety and cleanliness, any food kept within a resident's room must be stored in properly sealed containers. Residents are welcome to utilize the resident refrigerator for items requiring cold storage, provided each item is clearly labeled with the resident’s name. For homemade goods or items without original
consumer packaging, please also include the date the item arrived. To ensure a fresh and safe environment for everyone, any expired items or homemade leftovers remaining in the refrigerator for more than three days will be discarded.

All resident rooms include complimentary DirecTV access and free Wi-Fi for residents and guests to enjoy. Individuals moving into our long-term care community are welcome to bring a compatible television from home, and our Maintenance and IT teams are happy to assist with setup to ensure everything is working properly.

To qualify for Medicare coverage at Brookside Inn, individuals generally must be admitted within 30 days of a qualifying hospital stay of at least three consecutive nights and require skilled nursing or therapy services ordered by a physician.

Medicare typically covers 100% of approved costs for the first 20 days. Days 21–100 may require a daily co-insurance co-pay. Coverage is based on the individual’s continued participation and progress in therapy and may end before 100 days if services are no longer medically necessary. Medicare does not cover skilled nursing costs beyond 100 days within a benefit period.

Medicare coverage is intended for short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation services and does not cover long-term residential care.