Frequently Asked Questions about Mayo Healthcare

How will I know if Mayo has an opening for elder care?

Just call our Admissions Coordinator at 802-485-3161.

Does Mayo have a waiting list for seniors? If so, how long is it?

We usually do have a waiting list. For this reason, we encourage you to apply as soon as you know this is what you want. The wait for admission to Mayo varies, depending on our current enrollment and on the individual needs of each potential resident.

Can I apply to Mayo online?

Yes, you can apply online here.

Does Mayo provide high-quality memory care?

Yes. Our Memory Care program is a leading provider of expert, compassionate care for elders with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Our staff is Dementia-Certified. Find out more about Memory Care at Mayo.

How can I find the best nursing home?

Several highly regarded information providers offer online ratings of nursing homes. These ratings are thorough and objective, and sometimes include an even more detailed report.  Follow the links below to see Mayo’s ratings online and compare with other providers:

• Mayo Healthcare has an overall 5-Star rating on the U.S. News site Best Nursing Homes. See the detailed ratings on Mayo.
• Mayo has a 5-Star overall rating on the medicare.gov “Nursing Home Compare” site.
• Mayo has a 5-star overall rating on UCompare Health Care’s “Find a Nursing Home” site.
• In addition, Mayo has also received the 2013 “Excellence in Action” Award from the National Research Corporation, the 2012 Bronze Quality Award from the American Health Care Association, and seven Vermont Agency of Human Services’ Quality Awards, which recognize top nursing homes that meet the highest standard of care.

Many nursing homes are highly rated. For skilled elder care, what sets Mayo apart?

• First, our high standards for senior care are consistently recognized, on the state and national levels.
• Second, we offer four levels of care on the same campus — residential care, memory care, rehabilitation, and nursing home or long-term care. This means fewer challenges and complications, as an elder transitions from one level of care to another.
• Third, our staff members, including our skilled nurses, tend to stay with us over the long term. Many have been with Mayo for more than 20 years. Long-term employees build enduring relationships that enrich the lives of the elders in our care.
• Finally, we attend to the details in everything we do, including our communications with the family of each resident. At Mayo, every resident, family member and employee is respected and valued.

How long has Mayo been doing this?

We’ve been a residential healthcare provider in Northfield since 1939. For generations, Central Vermont families have trusted Mayo to care for the elders they love. Originally Mayo Memorial Hospital, we transitioned during the 1960s into a nursing home. In 2012, we completed a major renovation of our continuing-care facility, to provide state-of-the-art rehabilitation services and accommodations.

Learn more about Mayo’s history and legacy in our brief publication Caring for Life. Caring for the Future.

Does Mayo accept Medicare?

Yes, we are Medicare-certified.

What does Medicare cover, for residential care or rehabilitation?

If you have had a three-day inpatient hospital stay, Medicare may pay for a portion of your nursing home stay. The discharging doctor must certify that inpatient skilled nursing or rehabilitation care is related to the condition that caused your hospitalization. You must have Medicare Part A, and the admission to our skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility must be within 30 days of discharge from the hospital.

During the first 20 days, Medicare pays 100% of your skilled care days. During the remaining 80 days, there would be a $161 per-day co-insurance charge.

Can insurance help cover co-insurance charges?

Some private insurance policies cover the co-insurance days. To find out more, please look closely at your policy, or contact your insurance agent.

Once you no longer require skilled nursing or rehabilitation care, Medicare coverage will end. You will then be required to pay privately, unless you are eligible for Medicaid “Choices for Care” coverage.

What is Medicaid “Choices for Care” coverage?

Medicaid is a state-run program that helps people who need financial assistance to pay for healthcare. Choices for Care is the component of Vermont Medicaid that covers nursing home care. For those who qualify both financially and clinically, we participate in Choices for Care’s Enhanced Residential Care program.

When someone qualifies for Enhanced Residential Care, this means he or she has been clinically approved for nursing home care, but we feel that at present, we can cover that person’s needs in our Residential Care home.

What are Mayo’s current room rates?

See our room rates here.

When I tour a senior care facility like Mayo, what questions should I ask?

We recommend that you look at Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Care. This free, helpful publication is provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It tells you how to find and compare nursing homes, how to pay for nursing home care, and what are your rights as a nursing home resident. Download the Guide.

How can I learn more about aging and the world of elder care today?

We recommend these websites:

The New Old Age
Although new material is no longer being added to this New York Times blog, it still offers excellent articles, advice, and personal reflections on aging, senior care, and how we can stay healthy, sharp and strong as we get older.  Visit The New Old Age.

Aging Gracefully
This Huffington Post page is very good for keeping up to date on news, science, commentary, and all sorts of other things related to aging, senior living, and elder care.  Visit Aging Gracefully.

Medicare.gov
This is the official U.S. government site for Medicare. It can help you find, choose and understand the care that is best for you or a family member.  Visit medicare.gov.

What Medicare Covers
This portion of Medicare.gov is very clear and helpful. Learn more about what Medicare covers.

Nursing Home Compare
This part of Medicare.gov makes it easy to compare nursing homes in any part of the country, including Central Vermont, Vermont as a whole, or northern New England. Compare nursing homes now.