Colorado State
Veterans Nursing Home
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home (CSVNH) at Walsenburg serves Veterans having left the service of our Country with any type of discharge other than dishonorable, as well as Veteran-related individuals such as wives, widows, widowers, and Gold Star parents. Admission is based upon the facility’s ability to meet the needs of the Veteran or Veteran-related individual and without regard to gender, age, creed, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
There will be no discrimination by employees of the Nursing Home in providing services to the residents.
WELCOME
By becoming a member of our long-term care facility family, you are undergoing a major life change. While a few individuals may look forward to this change with glad anticipation, it is more likely you are experiencing feelings ranging from slight apprehension to deep-seated fear. In order to make the transition a little easier for you we have compiled a list of questions, frequently asked by new residents, with answers.
Frequently Asked Questions - (FAQ)
What can I expect on admission day?
What do I need to bring with me?
What size television can I bring?
What are my rights as a Resident?
Will I have a structured plan of care?
How much money should I keep? (Personal Needs Account)
Where can I keep my valuables?
What activities are available?
What if I need clothes or something from a store?
May I go on outings with family or friends?
Are telephone, newspaper and television services provided?
Should I offer gratuities for services I receive at CSVNH?
Is there a barber and beauty shop?
How can my voice be heard? (Resident Council)
What if I want to be discharged from CSVNH?
What if I have questions that aren't covered here?
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON ADMISSION DAY?
You or your designated Power of Attorney will be greeted by the Admissions Coordinator and introduced to the Business Office Manager, who will explain and have you sign necessary business office admissions forms including fees and payment information. You will also receive the facility’s Notice of Privacy Practices and a copy of the Residents Rights.
CSVNH is a prepay facility. This means that if you are entering the facility as a private pay resident, prepayment for the month is expected at the time of admission. Prior to the day of admission you will be informed of the prepayment amount by the Admissions Coordinator. Medicaid residents normally do not have a patient payment for the month of admission. The Business Office Manager will discuss this with you in more detail at the time of admission.
After all Business Office admission paper work is completed, you will be accompanied to your room and introduced to nursing staff. Certified nursing assistants will take your vital signs and weigh you. A Registered Nurse will do a complete health assessment, which normally takes about an hour. During this process medical forms and paper work will be completed. An inventory of all your personal items will also be made and staff will mark your name in your clothing.
CSVNH is fortunate to have several
outstanding physicians on staff. Prior to your arrival, staff
conversed with medical staff and, if you did not have a preference during
the preadmission process, your doctor was chosen for you. Your
doctor will either do an assessment in your room shortly after your
arrival or you may be taken to the doctor’s office, located on campus, to
be introduced and assessed.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
We encourage a home-like environment so please bring any personal items such as pictures, a favorite chair, a television, stereo, home décor, etc., as well as your favorite hobby material when you come for admission. CSVNH provides items necessary for personal hygiene such as toothpaste, shampoo, etc. If you prefer a brand other than that provided by the facility, you will be responsible for the purchase. The hospital Gift Shop carries a few toiletry items and Activities will be glad to pick up items for you on their weekly trips to the store. You will need to assume the financial responsibility for these purchases. All personal clothing should be marked with your name in indelible ink.
WHAT SIZE TELEVISION CAN I BRING?
Televisions measuring over 40 inches are generally too large for our rooms, and any television over 30 pounds will need to mount on a floor stand or other appropriate stand. Wall mount televisions must be mounted flush to the wall and cannot be on an extension arm. Only our Safety and Maintenance personnel are authorized to install the hardware for a mounted television. Wall-mounted televisions must be under 30 pounds, which will most likely limit the TV to a 27-30 inch maximum size. This is due to the fact that there is no support backing in the walls of resident rooms and no wood studs. The studs are thin sheet metal and will not support any size television, so toggle bolts must be used to mount the TV to the drywall, only. PLEASE BE AWARE that this method of mounting will generally void a warranty since it does not conform to manufacturer’s specifications, even though it is a safe and secure method of mounting a TV with a weight limit of less than 30 pounds.
CSVNH has several private rooms; however, there is a waiting list for these rooms. Please notify the Admissions Coordinator if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for a private room.
CSVNH has chosen what we believe to be a compatible roommate for you. However, most residents are unaccustomed to sharing their living space with another adult and this may be a difficult experience. The facility may find it necessary to move you to another room. You also have the right to request a room change. If CSVNH initiates the move the facility will incur any expenses associated with the move, i.e., phone costs. You and your family will be notified, except in an emergency, prior to the move. If you or your family initiates a room change, expenses incurred will be your responsibility.
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A RESIDENT?
At the time of admission you will be given a pamphlet of Resident Rights. We ask that you read and become familiar with these Rights. CSVNH is adamant that the rights of our residents and families be observed. If, at any time, you feel your rights as a resident or as a family member have been violated please let us know. The Social Services Director is the overseer of Resident Rights in this facility. However, you may discuss your concerns with any member of the staff and may be assured your concerns will be addressed. We would prefer that you bring your concerns to us in order for us to correct the problem. However, if you are uncomfortable discussing the issue with a staff member you should contact the Ombudsman for the area. The Ombudsman is the advocate for residents and is not affiliated with any nursing home. The name and phone number of the local Ombudsman can be found on the bulletin board outside of the Social Services office. The current Ombudsman is Carol Reynolds and her phone number is 719-738-2205.
This is your home and as such has no structured visiting hours. We encourage visits from your family and friends. Please ask your visitors to be respectful of other residents and keep in mind that many of our elders retire early. If visitors arrive after 7 PM, please insure that your visit is conducted in a quiet and sedate manner. For security purposes, all visitors must sign in and receive a Visitor’s badge at the 200 Hall Nursing Station located on the second floor, immediately inside the main entrance into the Nursing Home. The Visitor badge should be worn at all times while visiting CSVNH. Because the doors of the facility are locked at 9PM every evening, visitors arriving after that time will either need to go to the Emergency Room for admittance or call ahead to have a staff member meet them at the doors at a specified time.
Your meals are provided as part of your daily room charge. Meals are served in the Resident Dining Room with breakfast available from 6:30 to 10:00, lunch at Noon and dinner at 5:00 PM. You may also take your meals in the Rosewood Café, located on the first floor of the facility, free of charge. Snacks are available at any time.
A family member is welcome to dine with you free of charge in the Resident Dining Room at any of the three scheduled meal times. If they dine with you in the Rosewood Café, they may expect to pay the standard charge for meals.
It is your right as a resident to smoke if you choose to do so. CSVNH is a non-smoking building. Smoking is permitted only in the designated outside smoking area located through the southwest door of the 200 Hall lobby. For the safety of our residents, staff and visitors, oxygen is NEVER allowed beyond the doors to the outside smoking area. If you are on oxygen and wish to smoke, your oxygen must be removed and left with staff at the 200 Hall Nurse’s Station. Nursing staff will assist you in developing a smoking plan that is safe and convenient for you.
WILL I HAVE A STRUCTED PLAN OF CARE?
When you become a member of our facility family, the Care Plan Team will meet with you and your family to develop your individualized plan of care. The Team then meets at a minimum every quarter to review your plan and identify your strengths as well as areas which need improvement. During the Care Plan meeting, your individual goals will be set and techniques developed to achieve those goals. You, as well as your family members, are not only encouraged but are urged to attend the quarterly Care Plan meetings.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I KEEP? (PERSONAL NEEDS ACCOUNT)
You are encouraged to keep no more than $10 in your room or on your person. CSVNH cannot be responsible for money lost or stolen while in your possession. In order to accommodate your personal needs, and in compliance with State Law, CSVNH has established a Personal Needs Trust Fund at the Community Banks of Colorado. While it is not mandatory that you open a Personal Needs Account, the facility encourages you to do so in order to alleviate the necessity of keeping money in your room. Individual deposits and withdrawals are maintained by Business Office personnel and statements are sent quarterly to you and/or to your fiduciary Power of Attorney. Deposits to and withdrawals from your Personal Needs account may be made by contacting the Business Office. Normal Business Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
WHERE CAN I KEEP MY VALUABLES?
Although the facility does have a safe in which residents’ valuables may be deposited, space is limited. We encourage you to leave valued items with a trusted friend or family member. CSVNH does not assume responsibility for any cash or other valuables left in your room. Cash can be deposited and withdrawn through the Personal Needs account.
You may also obtain a lock box from the Social Services Department which can be put in a drawer in your room. Please be aware, though, that the lock box is not fool-proof and the lock can be picked, allowing for theft
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
The CSVNH Activities Office is located just off the Piano Lobby and directly across from the main Dining Room entrance. There are numerous activities throughout the day as well as special trips, etc., throughout the month. A posting of daily activities may be found on the bulletin board across the hall from the Social Services Office. Your family members are encouraged to join you in any activity.
WHAT IF I NEED CLOTHES OR SOMETHING FROM A STORE?
The Activities Department sponsors one trip a week to Safeway, the Dollar Store, and the cigarette store. They also sponsor one trip a month to Wal-Mart in either Pueblo or Trinidad. You may sign up to go on any of these trips. If you would prefer, you may have Activities staff pick up your items for you. The Social Services Department will also assist you in purchasing clothing, furniture, etc. Please let Social Services know your needs.
MAY I GO ON OUTINGS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS?
Residents are encouraged to enjoy outings from the facility. We do ask, though, that you sign out at the time of departure with date, time, destination, and who is accompanying you. You then need to sign back in with date and time when you return. The Resident Sign-In/Sign-Out books are located at the three Nursing Stations. You should use the book on the floor where your room is located, i.e., 200 Hall residents use the book at the 200 Hall Nursing Station; 400-500 Hall residents use the book at the 400-500 Hall Nursing Station; and Mountain View residents use the book at the Nursing Station in the Mountain View Unit.
ARE TELEPHONE, NEWSPAPER AND TELEVISION SERVICES PROVIDED?
Telephone service is available to you in your apartment. It is the resident’s or family’s responsibility to contact Qwest to arrange for the service and to pay monthly phone bills. Upon request, the Social Services Department will assist you in arranging phone service. If you have chosen to open a Personal Needs account, payments may be made from that account by contacting the Business Office to make payment arrangements.
You may also make and receive calls at your neighborhood nursing station. Below are the direct phone numbers to the various neighborhoods:
Military Drive (Apts. 201 through 218)
719-738-5167
East Military Drive (Apts. 301 through 303)
719-738-5167
Mountain View (Apts. 304 to 312)
719-738-5127
Liberty Lane (Apts. 401 through 415)
719-738-5164
South Liberty Lane (Apts. 314 through 316)
719-738-5164
Freedom Lane (Apts. 501 through 514)
719-738-5154
Newspapers are available by the entry door in the front lobby of the
building for you to purchase. You may also choose to have newspapers
delivered to you. The Pueblo Chieftain is available for delivery. Contact the
Business Office for additional information regarding daily delivery.
Two local weekly papers, the Huerfano World and the La Veta Signature are available to you free of charge.
Cable television service is available in each room and is included in the basic room rate. If you would like satellite or DISH service, it is your responsibility to arrange for that service. Charges for these special services are your responsibility.
Mail will be delivered to you by the Activities staff on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday. Normally you may expect your mail by noon.
SHOULD I OFFER GRATUTIES FOR SERVICES I RECEIVE AT CSVNH?
Employees are not permitted to accept tips, meals during shopping trips, loans, or any other gratuities from residents. Acceptance of such gratuities will result in the immediate termination of the individual’s employment with CSVNH. Please do not offer money or gifts to any employee for any reason.
IS THERE A BARBER AND BEAUTY SHOP?
Normally a licensed beautician is available on Mondays and Fridays. Appointments may be made by contacting Activities Department staff. You may pay for these services directly or have the fee taken from your Personal Needs account by signing a Petty Cash slip at the time service is received. Because beauticians are not employees of CSVNH, they may accept tips.
The facility Gift Shop, located on the first floor of the facility in the main entrance lobby, is staffed by the Hospital Auxiliary volunteers. Gift Shop hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Each resident may receive up to $5 per month free of charge in consumable items such as candy and gum.
HOW CAN MY VOICE BE HEARD? (RESIDENT COUNCIL)
The Resident Council provides a forum for residents to share concerns and issues. The Council also administers financial donations made on behalf of the residents. Council officers are residents of the facility, elected by their peers. All residents are invited to attend the monthly meetings, regularly scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PM in the Piano Lobby.
WHAT IF I WANT TO BE DISCHARGED?
We ask that you notify us as soon as possible and at least three (3) days in advance if you are planning to leave CSVNH permanently. This will allow us time to obtain discharge orders from your physician, organize paperwork, and make plans to insure a smooth transition for your move.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS THAT AREN’T COVERED HERE?
We are very privileged to be able to provide service to you, our Veterans and Veteran-related residents, and welcome the opportunity to repay you, if only in a small way, for the sacrifices you have made for our great Country. If you have a question or concern that isn’t addressed here, please ask. On the following page is a partial listing of staff that will be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns.
Contacts
NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATION
Marty Schlink,
Administrator
(719) 738-5197
23500 U.S. Highway 160, Walsenburg, CO 81089
MEDICAL & NURSING STAFF
Dr. Michael Moll,
Medical Director
(719) 738-4590
Nancy Corsentino,
Director of Nursing (DON)
(719) 738-4511
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT STAFF
Sherri Kraxberger,
Activities Director
(719) 738-5134
Lori Cordova,
Admissions Coordinator
(719) 738-5133
Linda Wade,
Business Office Manager
(719) 738-4516
Roger Watkins,
Social Services Director
(719) 738-5134
OTHERS
William J. Gust,
State Project Officer
(719) 738-5137
Nick Vigil,
Veteran Service Officer
Phone 719-738-2810, Ext. 34
