FAQs

You must be over the age of 18 and in need of skilled or intermediate nursing care.

Fill out the admission application and return it to the admission coordinator (application available under the Contact Us link). The admission coordinator will place you on the waiting list and will contact the POA when a room is available.

Applicants will be assessed by our registered nurse based on the date the application was received. Placement is determined by the nursing assessment and the ability of the facility to meet the applicant’s needs.

Guardianship or Power of Attorney documents, insurance (if any), prescription, Medicare and Social Security cards will need to be presented at admission.

River Bluff has a medical director and house physician who accept new patients. Residents may retain their current physician if credentialed with the facility. Keep in mind that if the physician does not come to River Bluff, the following may need to be provided by the responsible party:

• Residents must have a physical examination no more than 5 days prior to or on the day of admission.
• The physician must examine the resident at least every 30 days during the first 90 days after admission and at least every 60 days thereafter.
• Transportation to doctor appointments.

Please consider bringing the following items:

• Clothing for the current season (due to limited amount of storage space).
• Radio and/or TV (up to 21” flat screen).
• Personal hygiene items (generic brand items are provided).
• All prescription medications should be given to the admitting nurse for administration. Please do not bring over the counter medications or powders.
• Small furniture items (please keep in mind room size and recliners must be rated for Illinois fire code). No throw rugs are allowed.
• All items must be inventoried and labeled before going to the resident’s room. Staff will label all clothing. Please see your social services representative for information.
• Personal, home-like items are encouraged.

In most cases, yes. We have a limited number of private rooms, typically used for residents with special care needs.

Room and board, nursing care, floor stock drugs and supplies, laundry services and in-house satellite TV system.

Laundry services are available and included in the daily room charge (laundry is done in hot temperatures so fabric selections should be considered). A washer and dryer are available in the therapy room for resident use. Or laundry may be done weekly by the family – please provide 2 containers for clean and soiled laundry.

All doors to the facility are alarmed. The main entrance is also monitored for code alert alarms. Residents who wander may have a code alert placed on them for safety. Staff are trained and procedures are in place for emergency situations.

A cell phone is recommended. Customary AT&T charges apply for landlines. After August 2013 and with completion of our sprinkler project, landlines may be offered at a discounted price through the facility.

Medicare, Medicare supplemental insurances and long-term care insurance.

No, we work closely with Medicaid for a smooth transition, but we are not part of Medicaid.

Yes, our business office is experienced and available to help guide you through the Medicaid application process.

Yes, but please check with the nurse prior to giving food as there may be diet restrictions. All snacks left in a resident’s room should be placed in a tightly covered container.

River Bluff is a smoke-free facility and smoking is not permitted.

Suggested visiting hours are 8:00am to 8:30pm. The front door automatically locks at 8:30pm, however, there is a phone stationed in the front entrance area to contact staff for entering. Directions are posted near the phone.

Yes, if the pet is clean and well-behaved. Animals must always be kept on a leash and must be current on vaccinations. Pets are not allowed in the dining areas when food is present. If a pet has an accident the owner is responsible for prompt cleanup.