Merrimack County Nursing Home
 

In 2004 the Merrimack County Nursing Home continued to provide quality
Long Term Care to the residents of Merrimack County. It provides a wide range
of services from Assisted Living to complex long term nursing care, short
term rehabilitation, and even hospice programs.  The facility meets all
requirements established by Federal and State regulations and statutes. 
The occupancy rate averages 95% with vacant bed space resulting from
residents who are temporarily hospitalized, or the transition between a
discharge and the admission of a new resident.

The residents benefit from a knowledgeable and dedicated staff.  Many have
worked at the facility for many years. Staff turnover in all positions is far below that experienced by other facilities.

Following the approval of the funding by the Delegation, work continued on
the design and cost estimating for a new facility which would replace the
 current 286 nursing home beds. The Certificate of Need Board responded
 favorably to the request to submit an application, and work on that application
is in process with approval expected in early 2005.

The facility made significant strides in reducing its dependence on temporary
agency or “pool” staff to fill vacant nursing positions which have been the
norm nationwide due to the shortage licensed nursing staff.  Whereas four years
 ago approximately 50% of the 160 authorized Licensed Nursing Assistant
 (“LNA”) positions were vacant and staffed with temporary personnel, the facility
is now in a position where it has adequate LNAs on staff and rarely relies
on temporary staff. Having consistent LNA staffing available insures quality care
to the residents, improves staff morale, and results in significant cost savings.

The facility graduated its first class of “Med Techs.” These individuals are
highly qualified LNAs who are licensed by the State to pass certain
medications under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. They are required
to complete a rigorous training program followed by examination. The
position provides a “career ladder” for LNAs, and is beneficial with the
continuing shortage to RNs and LPNs.

There are still vacant Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse
 (“LPN”) positions, but progress is also being made in addressing these areas.
 It is hoped that through continued educational assistance and recruitment that
the facility will be able to eliminate the dependency on agency nurses for
 routine staffing.

Judy Gagnon, who had served the Nursing Home for over 35 years, retired.
 After serving as the Director of Nursing Services, Judy became the Director
of Gerrish Manor, the assisted living facility at the nursing home.  She served in
that position until her retirement.  Judy passed away shortly after her
retirement, but a scholarship has been established in her memory to assist
students preparing for nursing careers.

The State of New Hampshire terminated the Assessment and Counseling program
for Merrimack County.  While its elimination certainly impacts negatively on
the residents and providers in the County, it did allow Claudia Messier, who
had directed the program since its inception, to become the Administrator of
Gerrish Manor upon Judy Gagnon’s retirement. The County was fortunate to
retain the services of such a knowledgeable and experienced staff member.

I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank the residents,
residents’ families, the staff, County Department heads, Commission, Delegation,
and the citizens of Merrimack County for their support of the Merrimack
County Nursing Home over the past year.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Merrimack County Nursing Home

ADMISSION POLICY

All persons admitted to the Merrimack County Nursing Home should be residents of Merrimack County, however out of county persons can be admitted when approved by the Administrator or the Board of Commissioners.

Persons will not be refused admission based on their race, religion, age, sex, national origin, or disability.

All persons admitted should be on the specific order of a physician. Medical information will be submitted on the Comprehensive Assessment and 276 C forms.  All Medicaid applicants for the nursing home will be approved by the appropriate authority prior to admission. Prior to admission, the following Medical records are required: all recent hospital history and physicals including discharge summaries.  If no discharge summary is available, a history and physical done within one (1) month must be submitted.  Pre-admission Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASARR) screenings and approvals are required.  This screening is required to determine appropriate long-term placements for individuals with mental health and/or developmental disabilities. All required tests and evaluations must be completed if recommended during the PASARR process.

Within six (6) weeks prior to admission, all persons should have a Mantoux test for TB (Tuberculosis) and the results will be documented. If the Mantoux test is positive (+), a chest x-ray is required to be taken and a report will be submitted.

Merrimack County does not discriminate based on payor source.  Merrimack County accepts applicants who meet the Medicaid financial limits and for whom they can appropriately provide medical, psychosocial and mental health services.

Emergency admissions can occur with the permission of both the Medical Director and the Administrator, or their acting representatives.  In this case, all persons should be evaluated and referred by a physician or by an emergency room physician at a hospital.  The prospective resident or legal representative should be available to complete pertinent consent forms.

All persons admitted should be informed and offered assistance regarding advance directives.

Merrimack County Nursing Home reserves the right to have qualified personnel visit and review the prospective resident’s medical record prior to admission.  Upon completion of this review by Social Services, Nursing Services, the Medical Department and Administration, a decision will be made based on the resident’s needs and bed availability for placement here. Merrimack County Nursing Home reserves the right to make necessary bed/unit changes based on medical necessity.

MCNHDOCS\POLICIES\ADMISSIONS       REVISED: 3/02

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