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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.
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:
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.
You and your loved one will encounter a wide variety of professional personnel during the course of daily life at the home. Depending on the specific needs of your loved one, you may encounter:
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.
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) makes frequent inspections of nursing homes to ensure that government quality standards are met. When problem areas are encountered, they are documented, and plans to correct them are developed and put into action immediately. The State is responsible for monitoring facilities and confirming that each is in compliance. Every licensed facility in Indiana is subject, by law, to an unannounced survey if a complaint is received. Complaints can be anonymous. ISDH penalizes facilities that are not in compliance with standard regulations. Learn more.
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