Ridgewood Health Care Center

Contact Information

FAQ

For Bed Availability information please contact our Admitting Department at (262) 554-2203.

For other contact options please click here.

At Ridgewood, we recognize the importance of not only employing qualified staff, but also making sure we have enough staff. The state requires a minimum staffing level of based on the amount of nursing care that each patient needs. At Ridgewood our staffing level is 3.75 hours of nursing care, per patient per day The minimum level of staffing that the state requires is 2.5 hours per day.

The state requires that 20 % of our nursing staff be registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. At Ridgewood, 50 % of our nursing staff are licensed nurses.

Average Nurse to patient ratio on each unit:

Average nursing assistant to patient ratio on each unit:

To ensure that we always have enough staff on duty at all times, who know the patients, when a staff member is on vacation, or calls in ill, it is our policy to use over time as opposed to temporary agency help..

A high turn-over of staff can have a negative effect on patient care. Patient care improves when you have a dependable, knowledgeable team. At Ridgewood we have over two hundred employees and the average numbers of years that they have worked at the nursing home is seven years. The management team average length of seniority is 15 years.

A qualified staff of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants provides nursing services to patients. The nursing team delivers a skilled level of nursing care to residents on a 24-hour basis. The RN’s and LPN’s communicate with your physician about your condition and carry out any orders specific to your care. This includes administration of medications, doing specific treatments and carefully assessing your over-all medical condition. All of the nursing staff are certified in CPR, (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). In addition, The RN’s have had extensive training in intravenous management and care.

Certified nursing assistants help you with your activities of daily living needs such as dressing, bathing, using the bathroom and getting up and around. A special plan of care is developed with you so that all members of the nursing care team can assist you in achieving your optimal level of wellness.

Our Rehabilitation services at Ridgewood consist of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Our goal is to maximize your ability to function as independently as possible. The therapists assess physical and cognitive capacities and design individualized treatment programs to help you achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency.

If your goal is to return home, our rehabilitation team will work with your to achieve this goal in the shortest time possible. We understand that the best place to heal and recuperate is in your own surroundings. Most of our rehabilitation clients are admitted for a short term stay to recuperate after hip and knee surgery as well as cardiac and stroke recovery. Our rehabilitation program is very successful and is designed to minimize your length of stay and maximize your recuperative potential.

Our skilled therapists and nurses will strive to meet your rehabilitation needs no matter how simple or complicated your case may be. The therapy team collaborates with nursing and social services in discharge planning and home assessments and arranges follow up outpatient therapy when appropriate. Therapy is available 7 days a week if needed.

The social service staff at Ridgewood stands ready to assist you and your family with maintaining your quality of life while at this facility.

There are three full time social workers who are assigned to specific nursing units. Your social worker will meet with you during or shortly after your admission. Services provided by your social worker include:

• Assistance in applying for Medicaid (Medical Assistance)

• Furnishing information concerning advance directives

• Providing support and counseling to you and your family members

• Discharge Planning

Quality food is one of the most important factors in a resident’s overall satisfaction and recovery.

The dietary department’s goal is to provide quality food and service for breakfast, dinner, supper as well as nutritious snacks. Your physician orders the type of diet and a registered dietitian plans the meals.

You will be interviewed within a few days of admission by the dietitian and asked for your food preferences. Meals are served on the unit or in the Main dining room.

Your family may dine with you for any meal. Ask your nurse or the dietitian for information on scheduling and the cost.

The activity therapy department provides a varied program of activities to meet the needs and preferences of each individual resident.

A balance of group and individual activities is planned throughout the day and early evening hours as well as Saturday mornings. Activities focus on recreation, socialization, arts and crafts, intellectual pursuits and religious services.

Beauty shop services are available on the premises by appointment only. The beautician is here on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, except holidays. Let your social worker know if you would like an appointment. A price list is available through the business office or directly from the Beautician.

The General Store

A small gift shop managed by the Business Office and run by volunteers is located in the atrium. The store offers a large variety of snacks, beverages, beauty supplies and a large selection of gift items for people of all ages. Proceeds from the store go towards a special fund for the residents.

Vending Machines

Food, coffee, snack and soda machines are available for the residents and visitors use.

The business office provides an array of services including billing for Medicaid, Medicare and private pay residents. Payments may be mailed directly to Ridgewood Care Center or brought into the business office during normal business hours, which are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ridgewood also offers residents the opportunity to have social security and/or private pension checks deposited directly into the resident’s account.

In addition, the business office provides banking services through a local financial institution. Residents can deposit funds for their personal use at Ridgewood and make withdrawals as needed at the reception desk. Quarterly bank account statements are provided.

Medical Assistance For Residents in a Nursing Home

Medical Assistance is a federal program that helps certain needy and low income people pay their medical bills. Medical Assistance is also known as Medicaid or Title 19. 

Medical Assistance is different from Medicare.  Medicare is a health insurance program for retired or disabled people managed by the Social Security Administration.  Medical Assistance is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. It is administered by the Racine County Human Service Department. 

One service available under Medical Assistance is help to pay for the cost of care for individuals residing in a nursing home sometimes called institutionalized persons.  In order to be eligible for Medical Assistance the person applying must provide information on income and assets.  Medical Assistance financial requirements limit the amount of income and assets you can have. 

Proof of Eligibility 

When a person applies for Medical Assistance he or she will be asked to provide information to include: 

• Social security numbers – Social Security card or  Award letter from SSA
• Proof of citizenship or alien status – Birth certificate, hospital or medical records, US immigration form I-94.
• All current and recent income – Copy of check, Award letter
• Proof of assets such as checking and saving accounts, stocks, bonds, CD’s, IRA’s, real property, etc.
• Proof of other required information  

Limitation on Giving Away Property 

A nursing home resident  who gives away assets or sells them for less than fair market value may not be eligible for medical assistance nursing home benefits.  If the spouse of the institutionalized person gives away assets or sells them for less than their fair market value the Medical Assistance eligibility of the institutionalized person may be affected. 

Spousal Impoverishment 

The term “spousal impoverishment protection” refers to special provisions in federal and state Medical Assistance laws that affect certain married people receiving long term care services.  The protection applies to elderly people and adults with disabilities who enter a nursing home. 

Spousal impoverishment protects two major areas: 

• Assets.  The way a couple’s assets are counted and allocated between the spouses in determining Medical Assistance eligibility.  (Assets not counted include: one vehicle, burial assets, household goods, clothing and personal items, and the couple’s home when the spouse or dependent relatives live there). 
• Income.  The amount of income that can be transferred from one spouse to another. 

If you are living in a nursing home or other medical institution, and your spouse lives in the community, you will be able to protect some of your assets and income so that your spouse does not become impoverished. 

• If the total countable assets of the couple are $181,320 or more, then the Community Spouse Asset Share is $90,660.
• If the total countable assets of the couple are $181,320 or less, but greater than $100,000, then the Community Spouse Asset Share is ½ of the total countable assets of the couple.
• If the total countable assets of the couple are $100,000 or less, then the Community Spouse Asset Share is $50,000.
• The Community Spouse can keep up to $2266.50 per month out of the couple’s combined income for monthly expenses (income can include SSA, retirement .

The above amounts are subject to change.  

Estate Recovery 

Through the Estate Recovery Program the state seeks repayment of all Medicaid services received while living in a nursing home on or after 10/01/91. Recovery is made from the estates of recipients and from liens placed on their homes when a recipient and the recipient’s dependents no longer need those assets. The money is returned to the Medicaid program and used to provide care for others in need.  

The state may not seek repayment of any Medicaid benefits from a recipient’s estate while the recipient is survived by a spouse, minor child, disabled or blind child. 

Where to Apply 

You may apply for Medical Assistance at: 

·         Racine County Human Services Department
1717 Taylor Avenue
Racine, Wisconsin 53403 

·         Western Racine County Service Center
200 N. Main Street
Burlington, Wisconsin 53105 

In Racine County the nursing home resident or person acting on their behalf, should apply for Medicaid after admission to Ridgewood. Applications are assigned by the nursing home residents last name.

If the last name begins with the letters:

A-Ha    contact Colleen Brazzell at 262-638-6698, Fax 262-638-7048
Hb-O   contact Miriam Castronuevo-Meredith at 262-638-6581, Fax 262-638-6931
P-Z      contact  Shelia Stewart at 262-638-6628, Fax 262-638-6978. 

If you would prefer to use the Burlington office you can contact Gail Heaslet at 262-767-2916. 

How to Apply for Medical Assistance 

All applicants have the option of choosing how he/she will apply for Institutional MA. The three choices that the client has are:

• Face to Face Interview for Application/Review
• Mail-In Application/Review
• Phone Application/Review

Fraud Penalties 

Fraud means getting, or helping another person get benefits or payments to which you or that person is not entitled. People who commit fraudulent acts are subject to prosecution. If the court determines that health care benefits have been obtained through fraud, the court may require repayment for those services in addition to other penalties. 

You may be fined up to $25,000, imprisoned up to five years, or both, and suspended from Wisconsin Medicaid if you: 

• Lie on an application for Wisconsin Medicaid.
• Do not tell about an event that affects initial or continued eligibility for Wisconsin Medicaid to get more benefits than are due. 
• Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid on behalf of another and use any part of that benefit for yourself.

The Ridgewood Gardens

Ridgewood Care Center uses many forms of therapy to promote health of the mind, body, and spirit. One of our recent successes has been the creation of beautiful gardens on the nine acres of gently rolling hills surrounding our facility.  The gardens are a refuge of serenity, reflection and comfort for our residents.  These beautiful areas and pathways are frequently enjoyed by residents, families, visitors, and staff. Gardens are natural calming places to rest and be refreshed spiritually.  Nature is a powerful force in the healing experience.  Our gardens are planned as a therapeutic environment to appeal to the senses. Strong, bright, warm colors in bloom such as red, yellow and orange offer visual ease.  Varying textures of leaves provide tactile contrast, plants that release fragrance carried by breezes or when leaves are rubbed or crushed stimulate the sense of smell, and grasses for movement and sound are used by design.     The Ridgewood Gardens are a work in progress. Here are some other highlights:  Flowers in Front The English Rose Garden   The Oriental Water Garden Reflecting Pond with the Memory Patio and Rock Garden The Enabling Planter- a raised, handicapped accessible bed.  All plants are within easy reach of wheelchair –bound individuals. The Ridgewood Gardens are made possible through the love and hard work of many volunteers from our community and through generous donations from Racine County Garden and Greenhouse owners.  We hope you enjoyed your stroll.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer gardener, please call us. We would gladly welcome your assistance in this worthwhile effort.

Part A

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and some home health care. You must meet certain conditions

Medicare Part A helps Cover Your:

Hospital Stays: Semiprivate room, meals, general nursing, and other hospital services and supplies. This includes care you get in critical access hospitals and inpatient mental health care. This does not include private duty nursing, or a television or telephone in your room. It also does not include a private room, unless medically necessary. Read Medicare and Your Mental Health Benefits for more information on inpatient mental health benefits.

Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Semiprivate room, meals, skilled nursing and rehabilitative services, and other services and supplies (after a related 3-day hospital stay). Read Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care for more information.

Home Health Care: Part-time skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, home health aide services, medical-social services, durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers) and medical supplies, and other services. Read Medicare and Home Health Care for more information.

Hospice Care: Medical support services from a Medicare-approved hospice for people with a terminal illness, drugs for symptom control and pain relief, and other services not otherwise covered by Medicare. Hospice care is given in your home. If you are living in a nursing home, hospice does not pay for the cost of room and board. However, short-term hospital and inpatient respite care (care given to a hospice patient by another caregiver so that the usual caregiver can rest) are covered when needed.

Read Medicare Hospice Benefits for more information.

Blood: Pints of blood you get at a hospital or skilled nursing facility during a covered stay.

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover your doctor's services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A does not cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapist, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. You pay the Medicare Part B premium of $58.70 per month in 2003.

Medicare Part B Helps Cover Your:

Medical and Other Services: Doctor's services (not routine physical exams), outpatient medical and surgical services and supplies, diagnostic test, ambulatory surgery center facility fees for approved procedures, and durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers). Also covers second surgical opinions, outpatient mental health care, outpatient physical and occupational therapy, including speech-language therapy. Read Medicare and Your Mental Health Benefits and Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery for more information.

Clinical Laboratory Services: Blood tests, urinalysis, and more.

Home Health Care: Part-time skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, home health aide services, medical social services, durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen and walkers) and medical supplies, and other services. Read Medicare and Home Health Care for more information.

Outpatient Hospital Services: Hospital services and supplies received as an outpatient as part of a doctor's care. Read Your Guide to the Outpatient Prospective Payment System for more information.

Blood: Pints of blood you get as an outpatient or as part of a Part B covered service.

Medicare Also Helps Cover:

• Ambulance services (when other transportation would endanger your health).
• Artificial eyes.
• Artificial limbs that are prosthetic devices, and their replacement parts
• Braces - arm, leg, back, and neck.
• Chiropractic services (limited), for manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation.
• Emergency care
• Eyeglasses - one pair of standard frames after cataract surgery with an intraocular lens.
• Immunosuppressive drug therapy for transplant patients as long as your are covered by Medicare (transplant must have been paid for by Medicare).
• Kidney dialysis. Read Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services for more information.
• Macular degeneration of the eye ("wet": age-related) treatment, using ocular photodynamic therapy with verteporfin.
• Medical nutrition therapy services for people with diabetes or kidney disease with a doctor's referral.
• Medical supplies - items such as ostomy bags, surgical dressings, splints, casts, and some diabetic supplies.
• Outpatient prescription drugs (very limited). For example, some oral drugs for cancer
• Preventive services. Read Medicare Preventive Services to Keep You Healthy or Women with Medicare - Visiting Your Doctor for a Pap Test, Pelvic Exam, and Clinical Breast Exam for more information.
• Prosthetic devices, including breast prosthesis after mastectomy.
• Second opinion by a doctor (in some cases). Read Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery for more information.
• Services of practitioners such as clinical social workers, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
• Telemedicine services in some rural areas.
• Therapeutic shoes for people with diabetes (in some cases)
• Transplants - heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, intestine, bone marrow, cornea, and liver (under certain conditions and when performed at approved facilities).
• X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, EKGs and some other diagnostic tests.

What is not paid for by Medicare Part A and Part B:

• The Original Medicare Plan does not cover everything. Health care costs not covered by Medicare will include, but are not limited to :
• Acupuncture
• Deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments when you get health care services.
• Dental care and dentures (in most cases).
• Cosmetic surgery
• Custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and eating) at home or in a nursing home.
• Health care you get while travelling outside of the United States (except in limited cases).
• Hearing aids and hearing exams
• Orthopedic shoes
• Outpatient prescription drugs (with only a few exceptions).
• Routine foot care (with only a few exceptions).
• Routine eye care and most eyeglasses (see exception above for one pair of standard frames after cataract surgery with an introcular lens).
• Routine or yearly physical exams
• Screening tests except those listed in Medicare Preventive Services to Keep You Healthy.
• Shots (vaccinations) except those listed in Medicare Preventive Services to Keep You Healthy.

You may obtain further information at http://www.medicare.gov  or call 1-800-633-4227

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
RACINE COUNTY RIDGEWOOD CARE CENTER

This Notice of Medical Information Privacy is Effective 4/14/03 

The law requires that Ridgewood Care Center keeps your health information private and that is providing you with notice of its legal duties and privacy practices with respect to protected health information. If Ridgewood Care Center must share your health information, it will provide the least amount of information necessary. In order to provide a service to you, Ridgewood Care Center must share this information with other providers, and also receive such information from health care professionals. You have a right to see this information.  Ridgewood Care Center reserves the right to change this notice at any time. In the event of a change, Ridgewood Care Center upon your request will provide for you a copy of the new notice.  Ridgewood Care Center is required to abide by the terms of the notice currently in effect.  It is the policy of Ridgewood Care Center to send or receive protected health information by fax or e-mail from or to treatment providers.

HOW WE MAY USE AND SHARE YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION 

Without your written authorization, Ridgewood uses your health information for the following purposes: 

1. TREATMENT:  Ridgewood may receive your medical information from a physician or other health care provider. Any treatment would be noted in your records. We may share that information with other providers to discuss, for example, what services would be appropriate. [For example: a doctor may use the information in your medical records to determine which treatment option, such as drugs or therapy, best addresses your health needs.  The treatment selected will be documented in your medical record, so that other health care professionals can make informed decisions about your care].
2. PAYMENT:  Ridgewood may submit your health information to Medical Assistance, your insurance provider or responsible party(s) for reimbursement. When we do this we will share the least amount of information so that payment can be made. Usually this involves identifying you, your diagnosis and the treatment provided.

3. HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS: We may need your diagnosis, treatment, and outcome information in order to improve the quality or cost of care we deliver.  These quality and cost improvement activities may include evaluating the performance of your doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, or examining the effectiveness of the treatment provided to you when compared to patients in similar situations

Furthermore, the law allows Ridgewood Care Center to share your Protected Health Information without your authorization in the following instances: 

1. As required by applicable federal or state laws.
2. For public health reasons when a public health authority is authorized to collect and receive your health information under state and federal law.
3. For health oversight activities such as when the government monitors and audits your medical care.
4. To the appropriate government authority information concerning an individual who is believed to be a victim of abuse, neglect or domestic violence.
5. In response to an order of a court or administrative tribunal or in response to a subpoena, discovery request or other lawful process.
6. For law enforcement purposes.
7. To register of deeds, coroners, medical examiners and funeral directors in regard to death information.
8. To organ procurement organizations and other entities engaged in the procurement, banking or transplantation of cadaveric organs, eyes or tissues.
9. To avert a serious threat to health and safety, we may share your health information with appropriate authorities.
10. We may disclose your information in regard to national security or military functions.
11. We may disclose your information to correctional institutions or other law enforcement custodial institutions.
12. Pursuant to law if it involves worker’s compensation laws or benefits.
13. For facility directory(s).
14. To professionals involved in the patient’s care such as consulting physicians, Health care professionals, etc.
15. To those involved with your care or payment of your care.

NOTE:  Except for situations listed above, we must obtain your specific written authorization for any other release of health information. 

If you sign an authorization form, you may withdraw your authorization at any time, as long as your withdrawal is in writing.  If you wish to withdraw your authorization, please submit your written request to Ridgewood’s Medical Records Department.

1.  YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO INSPECT AND TO COPY YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION 

With a few exceptions, you have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information.  To make a request and/or copy your health information, you must submit the request in writing to Ridgewood’s Medical Records Department. In addition, we may charge you a reasonable fee, if you want a copy of your health information. 

2. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO AMEND YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION

If you believe that your health information is incorrect, you may ask us to correct the information. You can request a form for this purpose by contacting the Medical Records Department at Ridgewood Care Center. Ridgewood has the right to refuse to amend the information.  You may appeal the facility’s decision.

3. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN ACCOUNTING OF DISCLOSURES

You have the right to request in writing a list of all disclosures of your protected health information. There are certain limitations and restrictions that apply to any request for these disclosures. There may be a cost associated with the processing and mailing the list.

4. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITS, ON THE HEALTH INFORMATION WE USE OR DISCLOSE.

You have the right to ask for restrictions on how your health information is used or to whom your information is disclosed, even if the restrictions affects your treatment, or our payment or health care operation activities.  However, we are not required to agree in all circumstances to your written request. To receive a form to request restrictions please contact Ridgewood Medical Records Department.

5. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE COMMUNICATE WITH YOU IN A DIFFERENT MANNER THAN USUAL.

You have the right to request that we make arrangements with you to communicate with you in different ways or places.  For example, you may wish to receive information about your health status in a private room or through a written letter sent to a private address.  There are restrictions and limitations on your ability to make this request, however, we must accommodate reasonable requests. This request must be in writing to your nurse or social worker for long term communication needs or verbally to any Ridgewood staff at anytime.

6. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO FILE A COMPLAINT

If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us and with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.  We will not retaliate against you for filing such a complaint.  To file a complaint with either entity, please contact Ridgewood’s Medical Records Department, who will provide you with the necessary assistance and paperwork. 

This notice is jointly used between Ridgewood Care Center, the resident’s physician(s) and other entities providing health care to our residents such as the pharmacy.

Again, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your privacy rights or the information notice, please contact: 

Privacy Officer/Medical Records Department
Ridgewood Care Center
3205 Wood Road
Racine, WI 53406
#262-554-6440

4-14-03  JG & KLS
3-21-03 JG & KLS