The Indiana Pre-Admission Screening
The Indiana Pre-Admission Screening (IPAS) program can help you decide the most appropriate living arrangements for your loved one. The process includes an application, medical information provided by a doctor, a needs assessment, a plan of care, cost comparison information, and a determination of the most appropriate care setting. You may apply for IPAS at a nursing home to which you are seeking admission or at the Area Agency on Aging that serves your county of residence. All individuals are required to complete an IPAS application before admission into a nursing home.

Admission process
The admission process involves several steps and requires you to provide certain information. The following are usually required for admission but you should check with the Admission Director at your facility to be certain:

• Application/Admission Agreement
• Insurance information and documentation
• Financial information (source of payment)
• Complete medical background
• Physician's order for placement

Admission day
The day your loved one is admitted can be very emotional for both your loved one and your family. You should rely on your nursing home's staff for assistance, as they will be able to help you through this difficult time. In addition to moving in, there will also be more forms to fill out, and the staff will give you an orientation and review all of the home's policies and procedures with you. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions.

Nursing home personnel
You and your loved one will encounter a wide variety of professional personnel during the course of daily life at the home. Depending up on the specific needs of your loved one, you may encounter:

• Licensed nurses
• Trained nurse assistants
• Activity coordinators
• Dietitians/Nutritional consultants
• A licensed nursing home administrator

Other specialists on staff, or available on a consulting basis, include: physical therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychiatric personnel, medical directors, pharmacists, podiatrists, and dentists. It is important to ensure that the nursing home you select has the necessary specialists or is able to arrange for them.