FAQs
Nursing Home FAQs
If I am in the hospital, how do I ask to come to Pines?
| Ask your case manager at the acute hospital to contact Pines’ Nurse Liaison, Elaine Muhammad, at 941-780-1471. Let the case manager know that you have chosen Pines of Sarasota. |
Are there special hours for tours? Do I need an appointment?
| You do not need an appointment, but to ensure adequate time for a tour, an appointment is preferable. Contact Jodi Falk at 941-365-0250, Ext. 2815. |
Can I pre-register to come to the Rehabilitation at Pines?
| Yes, you can. We have a form to fill out prior to your acute stay, so it is well in advance. |
How many days does Medicare cover for Pines Skilled Nursing?
| Part A Medicare coverage requires a three day hospital stay and a doctors order. Days are based on an individual basis. Diagnosis, therapy, prior level of function, therapies ordered, medical acuity and ability to make gains are just a few things that are necessary in order to meet Medicare criteria. |
Do you take any HMO?
| Yes, we currently contract with 43 HMO Insurances. Just let us know which one you have. |
Does Pines accept co-insurance?
| After 20 days of Medicare, there is a $148.00 per day co-pay. Most supplemental insurance or Medicaid will pick this up. |
How long does Medicare provide coverage for Rehab?
| As long as it is ordered by a physician and the client continues to make progress; a plateau or refusals will stop therapy. |
What are the hours for visitation?
| Any time within reason; however, visitors are not to interfere with resident care, treatments or therapy. |
Who does the laundry and who marks the clothing?
| Pines will do the laundry if the resident or family requests it. We identify the clothing with an ironed on name tape. Please notify our Laundry when new clothes arrive. |
Who pays for transport to Pines Skilled Nursing facility from the hospital?
| The hospital or Pines. |
Do you charge for transportation to doctor appointments?
| If one chooses to go to a specialty doctor of their choice instead of using one of our “in-house physicians,” the charge is $35 round trip. |
Can pets visit their owners while in Pines Skilled Nursing?
| Absolutely, but they must be on a leash. |
If I am admitted to a hospital while in Skilled Nursing, how long is my bed held?
| If your coverage is through Medicaid, there is an eight-day bed hold. If private, you pay to hold it. Medicare does not pay for a bed hold. |
Once my money or Medicare or my HMO runs out, who applies for Medicaid for me?
| You will need to supply bank statements, etc., and we will have an employee assist you with your application. |
Can family members or visitors dine with a resident? What is the cost?
| Yes, we encourage you to dine together. The cost is $5.00 per meal ($10.00 per holiday meal) on the standard menu. Short-term rehab visitors also have the option to order from the “Chef Special Menu” at a cost of $8.00 for lunch and $15.00 for dinner. |
Does Pines Skilled Nursing have a waiting list?
| Yes. |
Assisted Living FAQs
If I would like a tour, are there special hours? Do I need an appointment?
| No, pop in any time or call Rosemary Carbonelli, ALF Administrator, on her cell at (941)356-3009 to make an appointment. |
What does it cost per month?
Rates are per month, with no deposit and no yearly lease.
SINGLE ROOM - Private bedroom
Please call 941-365-0250, extension 1880, for current rates.
TWO ROOM SUITE - Private rooms with private 1/2 bath
Please call 941-365-0250, extension 1880, for current rates.
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What does the monthly rate include?
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Can I bring my own furniture?
| Yes, we encourage you to create your space to resemble your home. |
Are there any decorating restrictions?
| Aside from painting and wallpapering, your space is your home so decorate away! |
Where do I shower?
| Each floor has centrally located dressing/shower rooms. |
Can I smoke?
| We are a non-smoking, tobacco-free building. |
Do you have activities?
| Yes. We have a very good activities program. Click here to view the current calendar. |
Am I allowed to have a car?
| Yes, as long as you have a valid drivers license and active insurance plan for it. There is free parking. |
Can I bring my pet?
| No, but your pet may visit you during the day. |
What are visiting hours?
| There are no restrictions on visiting hours. |
Can I go off campus?
| Yes, you just need to tell the staff and then sign in and out of the log book. |
Do you have an in-house doctor?
Yes, we have two:
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Do you provide transportation to medical appointments?
| Yes, for a fee per appointment: $35 round trip. |
Is staff available to accompany the resident to a medical appointment?
| Yes, for an additional fee of $35 per appointment. |
Do you have a hair salon?
| Yes, there is a beauty salon on campus for your hair and nail needs. No cash/No tips. Fee is billed to your room. |
Do you have an emergency call system?
| Yes, Response Link is a pendant worn as a necklace or bracelet at all times. |
What payer sources do you accept?
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How do I sign up for VA?
| We can provide you with the necessary paperwork. |
Do you have a bed hold policy?
| Yes. |
What is the age range of the residents?
| Ages 70 to 102. |
Are there rehab services available?
| Yes, Pines has a Rehabilitation Center on campus offering physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Medicare Part B will cover it. |
Alzheimer's FAQs
Do residents have to share a room?
| No. There are 42 private bedrooms. |
Can residents go outside?
| Yes. We have a large secured back yard for residents to use as they please. There is also a huge covered patio for shade. |
Are there planned activities for residents?
| Yes. We have numerous activities specificly designed for Alzheimers residents, which start after breakfast and continue through the whole day. See the Garden calendar on this website. |
Can I take my resident off campus?
| Sure. Just let the nurses know and sign them in and out of the log. |
Can I dine with a resident?
| Yes. We encourage you to dine together. The cost is $5 per meal ($10 for holiday meal). We charge it to the resident’s room and it is billed monthly. If you give us advance notice, we can set up a special table for you. |
What qualifies a resident for this secured unit?
| A resident qualifies if they are at high risk for elopement due to wandering from dementia and/or they would benefit from the structure of activities provided in the Garden. The layout of the building allows residents to freely roam the halls and go outside. |
What is the difference between Pines' Garden and Pines other secured units?
| We have a consistency of care provided by staff who truly understand the disease, so we are able to provide the extra attention that is needed. Our environment allows each resident to flourish and be happy as we recognize each individual’s interests. |
Do you offer any specialty therapies?
| Yes. Besides physical, occupational and speech therapy, we provide massage therapy, music therapy and aromatherapy throughout the day (focused on “calming”). |
What if my loved one gets sick?
| We are a skilled nursing home, so we can provide all of the care that a non-dementia unit would offer. |
At what point should the decision be made to place a loved one in the Garden?
| Families usually wait too long – trying to avoid what they think is abandonment. When in fact, the residents actually benefit from our life enriching environment. Soon the family sees them begin to flourish and maximize their quality of life. |
Can you recommend any education programs?
| Yes. You can order caregiver training DVDs that feature Teepa Snow and Dr. Miguel Rivera – both are specialists in caring for Alzheimer’s residents. |
Where can family members get extra support coping with Alzheimer's?
| We offer a support group every third Thursday of the month at 2pm in the Board Room on the second floor in the Administration Building. |
How do I schedule a tour?
To ensure adequate time for a tour, an appointment is preferable. Contact Jodi Falk at (941) 365-0250, Ext. 2815. You are welcome to visit a few times or even on short notice so you will get a true sense of the Pines environment. |
Rehabilitation FAQs
What types of insurance do you accept?
We accept most insurance plans, private, VA, Medicare and Medicaid.
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Do you offer transportation?
| Yes. We offer free transportation to and from our facilities within our geographic market. |
How many years of experience do the therapists have?
| Director Joel Amistoso has been in the field since 1994. He leads thirteen therapists – physical, occupational and speech, with an average of 10-15 years experience. |
Are activities and hobbies that are important to the patient incorporated into the rehabilitation plan?
| Yes. Our rehabilitation center has a putting course for golfers, an aquatic pool for swimmers, and a kitchen for cooks, etc. |
How much attention is given to ensuring the comfort of residents who must use wheelchairs?
| We have wonderful funding from our Foundation, which allows us to purchase better adaptive positioning devices to make the residents comfortable. |
Do therapists visit the client’s home before discharge?
| Yes, on a case-by-case basis. The idea is to make sure the skills they learned at Pines can be adapted to their environment. We will also consult with you on any modifications that need to be done in the home and then recommend the best plan. |
Do therapists speak with residents, clients, and family members to see if they are pleased with the services they have received?
| Yes. It is a continual communication to make sure the resident is happy during the healing process. |
Do we need to bring our own walkers?
| Pines has walkers for your use while you are here. Upon discharge, you should bring your own walker to use. |
Do you have a doctor?
| Dr. Alcazaren, our Physiatrist, visits patients twice a week. |
Can families visit?
| Yes. We encourage them to partake in the rehab program, too. Especially since family members will be with the patient at home and will continue to encourage their progress. |
Do you have a special area for short-term patients?
| Yes, the first wing of the Veranda building is designed for short-term patient care. |
Do you offer outpatient services?
| Yes. Please click here for more information.. |
Learn more about Pines wonderful Skilled Nursing facility.
Seminars & Training DVDs by nationally renowned specialists.
See our state-of-the-art facility.
Learn more about our Assisted Living facility.