Frequently Asked Questions

resident drawing on a card

While we welcome visitors 24 hours a day, we recommend visiting from 8am until 8pm, for the comfort and safety of our residents.

How do I find out about activities provided for the residents?

We strive to create social programs and individualized activities to match the capabilities and needs of each resident. This also has a powerful impact in the healing process; renewing spirit and vigor, helping improve overall health. Specific activities include: active resident councils, musical performances, current events update- reading the newspaper, singing exercises, fitness activities, stretching exercises, religious meetings, outside entertainment, games, trivia, history, and volunteer involvement. We also strongly encourage families to participate with the residents in various activities.

A monthly calendar is posted to keep residents informed of upcoming events such as birthday parties, movies, musical programs, outings, candlelight dinners, ice cream socials, and other special events. Friends and families are always welcome to visit and attend our special events.

What role does Social Services play at Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center?

Our social service team assists both patients and their families during transitional periods. They also provide essential information, manage requests and concerns, help in care, and discharge planning for each patient. They can arrange professional services for Dental, Vision, Podiatry, Audiology, Power of Attorney, Dementia assessment, Psychosocial and Psychiatric Evaluation, and Individual therapy.

How do I get my laundry done? Can my family members take my Laundry home to do?

Should you wish to have Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center wash your laundry please notify the front office upon your admission. Subsequently, if your family/caregiver is going to take care of your laundry at home, please let the nursing station closest to you know your plans. This way, the staff can place a sign on your closet door notifying our housekeeping staff to leave your clothing for family pickup. We request that your family provide a hamper for your clothes and pick it up twice a week.

What articles of clothing should I bring?

We recommend approximately five changes of clothing and a pair of comfortable rubber-soled shoes. All articles should be washed, clearly labeled with the resident’s name in permanent ink so that they may be entered into the patients’ personal inventory log in the medical chart. Other personal items should be marked or engraved for identification. We advise that patients do not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in the facility.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can visit at one time?

Although we do not have a formal policy stating visitation guidelines, we suggest using the common areas of the facility to meet with your loved one. If it is not possible to visit in one of the common areas, we suggest a limit of one to three people in a resident room at one time.

Is there any private space available to use?

You may reserve the activities lounge for any special events (birthday, holidays, meals) with notice.

Can I bring my children to visit?

We encourage children to visit, however, we ask you to alert the charge nurse to anyone visiting the facility under the age 12.

Can I bring a family pet to the facility?

We would love for your family pet to come visit. Please remember to clean up after them and take the proper safety measures at all times. All pets are to be kept on a leash and should have all current vaccinations.

How often will a physician or health professional visit?

Physicians generally see patients upon admission and once every 30 days thereafter. However, our nursing professionals are in constant contact with all of the physicians that visit the facility. Some insurance companies require that physicians visit more often. Check with our nursing staff for further information.

Can I take my loved one home for a visit?

Patients may have a leave of absence only with a physician’s authorization, which can be arranged through the nursing staff. Upon arrival and departure, the resident or responsible party must sign the LOA (leave of absence) book, located at the nursing station.

Can my loved one receive mail?

Definitely! Mail is delivered to patients personally on a daily basis except for weekends and holidays.

Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
Attn: ________________ Room No. _____
2700 Eastchester Rd
Bronx, NY 10469

Consider using our Send a Greeting feature on the website. You can choose from a variety of postcards to fill out and mail to your loved one for a small fee or you may type a message and through email, send us your email greeting that we will hand-deliver to your loved one residing in our facility. Our email feature is free of charge.

Is smoking permitted in the facility?

For the safety and welfare of all patients and staff, Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is a non-smoking facility. There are designated smoking areas in the outdoor areas.

Can I bring in my loved ones’ favorite food?

Consistent with the provision of special diets, always consult with the nursing staff before bringing food to patients. Any food kept in the resident’s room must be in properly sealed containers.

Is there someone who provides haircuts?

We have beauticians available.

Will my loved one’s room have a television?

You may bring your own TV, or we can provide one for you. The cable is available for all residents free of charge.

How often will the Rehabilitation staff work with my loved one?

The rehab director can inform you of the rehabilitation program designed for your loved one.

Will Medicare Part A cover my stay in the facility?

In order to receive this coverage, patients must have a Medicare card that reads “Hospital Insurance.” They must also be admitted to the facility with a physician order within 30 days of a three consecutive night hospital stay. Generally, during the first 20 days of care, Medicare will pay 100%. For days 21-100, a daily co-insurance co-pay is required. Medicare does not cover skilled nursing fees over 100 days.

Who do I talk to about my food preferences? Can I get alternate options to each day’s menu?

Upon admission, our Registered Dietitian and/or Food Service Director will interview you regarding your special needs with regards to food preferences. Our own food service personnel prepare all meals. Special care is taken to serve flavorful and appetizing foods. All menus are developed according to prescribed medical diets ordered by the physicians.

Should you wish for another food item on a particular day’s menu, please make your Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) aware of your request. This information will be passed on to the Food Service Director and they will try their best to accommodate your needs.

Our Dietitian and Food Service Director also monitor your nutritional status using monthly weights, daily intake records and relevant lab data. The results of these assessments are discussed at your care plan conferences.

What do I do if I have personnel concerns?

Our primary concern is that you feel comfortable here at Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and that your needs are being met. You should feel secure and at ease with our staff, particularly those providing your direct care. If you have any concerns or praise for our staff, please feel free to contact our social services department. They will be able to address any apprehensions you may have.

What is an Ombudsman?

An Ombudsman is an advocate for residents. They are a third party person NOT employed by the facility who periodically comes to the facility to monitor its activities. They are not able to tell the facility what to do but may act as a voice for a resident with a concern.

Who do I talk to about questions in regard to financials, billing, and/or admission paperwork?

Eastchester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center employs a full-time Business Office Manager for all financial and billing concerns. Should you have any questions regarding these matters please make an appointment to see our Business Office Manager by contacting the front desk/receptionist.

Additionally, should you have questions upon admission regarding the paperwork you are required to fill out, please call the front desk. You may request an appointment with our full-time admissions coordinator who will guide you through the necessary forms required upon admission.