Prior to Moving to Homeland
A: Nursing homes are licensed medical facilities that are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They must meet both state and federal regulations. There is third party reimbursement (Medicare and Medicaid) for those who qualify based on income. Nursing homes usually offer skilled nursing care for patients who require medical, nursing or rehabilitative services but not the level of care or treatment available in a hospital. Nursing homes also offer long term care support for individuals needing a higher level of support with health or personal needs and activities of daily living.
Personal care homes are residential facilities that offer personal care services, assistance and supervision to four or more persons. They are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Sometimes they are advertised as "assisted living residences," "retirement homes" or "boarding homes." A personal care home must have a license in order to operate in Pennsylvania. There are state licensing regulations that apply to personal care homes. These regulations are aimed at protecting the health, safety and well-being of the residents. There are no federal regulations for personal care homes. There is no third party reimbursement for personal care homes, but many personal care homes accept residents of low income who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Personal care homes/facilities offer a range of support services to help residents accomplish routine tasks they would normally do for themselves if they could, often referred to as activities of daily living (ADLs). The support typically includes help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, personal hygiene, light housework and medication management.
Q: How do I apply for admission to Homeland Center for me or someone else?
A: The Applicant Profile is available through our website. Click Here
You also can call 717-221-7901 for Personal Care or 717-805-4388 for Skilled Care to request an information package. It contains a description of our services, prices and includes the Applicant Profile. The same application is used for Personal Care and Skilled Nursing and it should be completely filled out.
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A: During the pandemic, live, virtual tours are available by appointment. Please contact Susan Horvath at 717-805-4388 to schedule a tour of the Skilled Care or Dementia unit; call Jennifer Murray at 717-221-7901 to arrange for a tour of the Personal Care unit.
Q: What types of payment do you accept?
A: For residents in Personal Care, Homeland Center accepts private pay and long term care insurance (when applicable). The daily fee reflects the charge for the Personal Care suite, meals and the day-to-day costs of providing quality service and care.
For residents in Skilled Care and our Dementia Unit, Homeland Center accepts private pay and the following other forms of payment when they have been approved: long term care insurance, Medicare, medical assistance, private insurance and benevolent care under certain circumstances.
Q: How long after I submit the application until I know if there is space available?
A: On the Applicant Profile, you'll be asked to indicate what timeframe you have in mind for moving to Homeland Center. That information, along with an understanding of the circumstances, will allow the admissions team to work with you to get the answer within the window of time you need.
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Q: Does Homeland Center require a power of attorney and a living will for admission?
A: No; however, we encourage all residents to have a durable medical and financial power of attorney and a living will. It is important to have someone appointed to make medical and financial decisions should you become unable to do so.
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Q: What do your rooms look like?
A: Schematics of a variety of room layouts are available on the Personal Care and Skilled Nursing Care pages of this website.
Living at Homeland
Our goal is to provide you with the answers regarding your loved one's new life at Homeland Center. Some questions reflect the emotional turmoil common to the adjustment phase; others address more practical matters like laundry and special diets. Our hope is that we can offer some comfort and practical advice to you through what often feels like an emotional roller coaster.
Q: Is parking available for residents? Where can I park when I come to visit?
A: Parking is available for residents who choose to bring a car with them; friends and visitors can find parking in a number of different areas on and around the campus of Homeland Center. For detailed information, click here to look at the map and instructions.
For GPS purposes only, use the following address: 1924 N. 6th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
Q: What transportation services are available for residents?
A: Homeland Center has several vans and a small shuttle bus used to transport residents. For activities sponsored by Homeland Center, the transportation is provided at no charge. Homeland offers transportation services for residents to off campus medical appointments for an additional fee.
Q: Will Dad have access to money if he needs it?
A: Yes; see the administrative assistant in the CEO's office about setting up a resident account that your father can access to cover personal expenses.
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Making Your Time and Visits Count
During the pandemic, we have a robust schedule of virtual visits in place with our residents and their loved ones. Please contact Aleisha Connors, Director of Activities, to schedule a Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or phone call to maintain a strong connection with your family member/friend.
We look forward to being able to resume in-person visits.
Personal Items, Clothing and Laundry
Q: What personal items should I pack for my wife?
A: First ask your wife what clothes and special items she wants to bring. Then ask the Admissions Coordinator or social worker for their recommended clothing list and if your wife's situation warrants additional items.
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Q: Should I send Mom's personal items and valuables with her?
A: Ask your mother if she would be upset if an item was broken or lost. If the answer is 'yes', don't send it. Leave expensive jewelry, cash, credit cards and valuable collector's items at home. If, however, certain items carry great symbolic value, such as a wedding ring, look for creative options. For example, replace the valuable wedding ring with another ring that keeps the symbolism alive but that would not cause as much distress if it were lost. Or, bring the wedding ring with you so your mother can enjoy it for the duration of your visit. Lock boxes are available at Homeland Center.
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Q: How will my wife's clothing be laundered and how often?
A: Find out the schedule for laundry on the unit where your wife is residing. Make sure she has plenty of clothes to wear while her dirty clothes are being laundered. If she is incontinent, she may need additional clothes. While laundry is done routinely, you should plan on a one to two day turnaround.
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Q: How can I help keep Mom's clothes from getting lost?
A: If possible, ensure clothing is labeled before your mother is admitted to Homeland Center. If you leave unlabeled clothing with us in a bag, make sure her name is attached to the bag. After admission, you'll need to let the staff know if additional items are brought in or removed. It won't be long before staff members recognize her clothes themselves. Don't panic if something turns up missing. First check to make sure it wasn't taken home by another family member, then report the missing item to the staff.
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Q: Can I do my husband's laundry at home?
A: Yes, but check with the team on your husband's unit. Make sure there's an adequate supply of clothes available to your husband while you're laundering his dirty clothes at home. These clothing items must still be labeled in case they are ever laundered by the Homeland Center staff.
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