Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation is a medium-sized nursing facility located in Montana, offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The center accommodates up to 100 residents and operates as a for-profit LLC. It accepts both Medicare and Medicaid, making its services more accessible to those who qualify for these programs. While it is not part of a continuing care retirement community, it provides a comprehensive environment catering to a variety of care needs, including daily medical assistance, medication administration, and support with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, and mobility.
The facility’s short-term rehabilitation program is designed to support individuals recovering after hospital stays resulting from events like strokes, heart attacks, infections, or injuries. About half of the residents are able to return home after receiving such care. During their stay, residents receive an average of two hours and thirty-four minutes of nurse staffing per day, ensuring consistent medical and personal attention. However, the continuity of care between weekday and weekend staffing has been noted as an area for improvement.
Long-term residents at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation receive help with daily living activities, and nearly three-quarters of these individuals are able to maintain some independence for moving around, eating, and attending to personal needs. The facility places importance on preventive care, as reflected by a high rate of annual influenza vaccinations among residents. Emergency situations do arise occasionally, with a portion of residents requiring visits to the emergency room during their stay.
Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation’s operations include specialized services such as respiratory care, infection prevention and control programs, and the monitoring of antibiotic use. The facility is also tasked with providing pharmaceutical services and pain management for its residents. Nutrition is another area of focus, and the care home strives to employ qualified personnel, including dietitians, to oversee meal planning and dietary needs.
Quality and safety standards are upheld through regular inspections, and recent evaluations have emphasized the need for ongoing attention to staffing levels, accurate assessments, and maintaining a safe, clean, and homelike environment. In response to specific care requirements, the facility has protocols for gradual dose reductions and non-pharmacological interventions, especially regarding the use of psychotropic medications. Residents' rights are a priority, with policies intended to ensure dignity, self-determination, and the ability to voice grievances.
Overall, Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation represents a multifaceted care community dedicated to meeting the diverse medical, personal, and emotional needs of its residents. Through a combination of specialized programs and general long-term support, it aims to provide comfort, safety, and rehabilitation services to older adults and those with ongoing health challenges.