Frequently Asked Questions

Long-Term Care Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if my family member needs a long-term care facility?

Is transportation available for residents who need to go to the hospital or to an outside appointment?
Many residents are transported by ambulance, but this can be costly if insurance does not cover the transfer. If the resident can sit up in a wheelchair, options include Knox Area Transit, Community Action Committee or East Tennessee Human Resource Agency. These agencies offer services based on income. The Social Services Department at all three Hillcrest facilities are available to arrange the best alternative for transportation outside the facility.

What is the role of the family members?
We encourage family members to visit and to volunteer in our family council. Each facility can provide you with our family council schedule.

Are activities planned for the residents?
Each facility has an activities director who plans and coordinates the activities. We offer a wide variety of activities at each facility to encourage residents to remain active on a daily basis. Group activities are planned at each location, and many groups such as churches and children’s groups visit our facilities to interact with the residents.

What type of clothing should residents wear?
Residents may wear their own personal clothing or may also decide to wear the gowns provided by the facility. Clothing should be comfortable and loose-fitting with wide neck openings and be durable and washable. Shoes should have Velcro fasteners rather than string laces.

Hillcrest HealthCare Frequently Asked Questions:

Can we bring a television?
Residents may bring a television no larger than 19 inches on a rolling cart.

Are electric wheelchairs allowed?
The resident must pass an electric wheelchair safety course designed by the administrator at the facility. The administrator will determine if the resident can safely operate the wheelchair within the facility.

Why do I have to keep my Department of Human Services (DHS) appointment even though we are planning to be a short-term stay and not need Medicaid?
DHS will begin completing the information required IF your family member is unable to return to their previous living accommodations. You must have financial and medical approval in order to qualify to remain at Hillcrest under the Medicaid program.

What’s included in routine daily care?
The daily rate includes basic services such as room and board, routine nursing services and most medical supplies.

Are cable or phone services available?
Cable and phone services are available for a monthly fee plus the cost of installation. Each facility has telephones available for resident use, and cable television is available in the common areas of each facility.

How do I know what level of care is needed?
To gain an understanding of how your family member is functioning, our staff will perform an assessment at no charge. The assessment will help determine how to optimize their quality of care and determine which facility would be the most appropriate.

Who does the laundry?
Each facility launders resident clothing. Families have the option to do the residents’ laundry outside the facility. Basic laundry service does not include mending, comforters, afghans or other special services. Clothing should be labeled with an iron-on label or a permanent marker inside the clothing.

Are barber or beauty shop services included?
A hair salon is provided in each facility, and barber and beauty services at available for an additional fee. The fee scale is available and posted at each facility.

Is smoking allowed?
Effective, Feb 1, 2005, all Hillcrest facilities are smoke-free for employees and residents. Matches, lighters and cigarettes are not permitted inside our facilities. Residents who violate this policy may be discharged. Visitors should refrain from smoking anywhere on Hillcrest property.

Can we bring medications from home since they have already been purchased?
To ensure safety and accuracy, all medications must be distributed from a pharmacy
and Hillcrest provides an in-house pharmacy for the convenience of our
residents.

LakeBrook Rehabilitation Center Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the average stay at a short-term rehabilitation unit?
Typically, residents require 14-21 days of treatment. Each individual is evaluated and a care plan is developed to restore to the highest level of function.

East Tennessee Respiratory Center Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you have respiratory therapists on staff?
We have respiratory therapists on duty 24 hours per day.

How often will my loved one be seen by a specialist?
Our patients are seen by a nurse practitioner three times per week and a pulmonary physician is at the unit once per week or as needed.

How long is the average stay?
Our average stay is 33 days. 

What kind of insurance is accepted?
Most insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare and TennCare.