MMH North Ridge, like any regulated institution, has "rules and regulations." Most are common sense policies that benefit the entire residential community. Federal, state and local laws require regulations. We ask your cooperation in abiding by these guidelines to make North Ridge a safe and comfortable environment for our residents.

Care Conferences

An individualized, written care plan identifying the resident's strengths and needs is developed within two weeks of admission. The plan is reviewed quarterly and changed as necessary. Individuals being discharged to the community receive short-term rehabilitation and discharge planning with goals focused on the return home. For those residents who transfer to another area in the facility, overall long-range goals address the highest independence potential for the individuals. Residents and their families are encouraged to participate in the Care Conferences and will be notified of the times.

Grievance Procedure

Residents may voice grievances and recommend changes in policies and services to the Director of Resident Services, the Social Worker, or the Administrator. Consumer concern forms are available in each area by the mailbox. The completed form will be reviewed by the appropriate Department Head and every attempt will be made to resolve the concern. If this does not prove satisfactory, you may contact the following organizations: Minnesota Office of Health Facility Complaints, Minnesota Department of Health, (651) 215-8702 Office of Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans, (651)431-2555; Protection and Advocacy Network for Mentally Ill/Developmentally Disabled at the Legal Aid Society, (651) 292-4150.

Health Care Directives

Your health care is your choice. You have the opportunity to choose the most appropriate care based on your needs and beliefs. Residents have the right to make their wishes known regarding their medical care in the event they become terminally ill and are incapable of expressing personal desires. A Health Care Directive communicates the resident's wishes to the family, physician and nursing home staff. Health Care Directives completed prior to August 1, 1998, most commonly known as Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care documents will be recognized. If you have questions, concerns or would like more information, please contact the Nursing Supervisor or Social Worker. Each resident of MMH North Ridge is encouraged to discuss this issue with your family and physician so that we may serve you in the best way possible.

Health Department Survey Results

The results of our most recent Health Department Survey are available for your review at each MMH North Ridge nursing station, in the main lobby and in our Admissions Office.

Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act

The Vulnerable Adults Act under Minnesota law protects vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. Every effort is made to ensure a safe environment for individuals unable to protect themselves. If cases of neglect or abuse are suspected, individuals are urged to contact MMH North Ridge's Director of Nursing at (763) 592-2603, or the Adult Protection Agency (612) 348-8526.

Nursing

Nursing care is provided 24-hours-a-day by qualified, licensed nurses and registered nursing assistants. Nursing services ensure that each resident receives treatments, medication and diets as prescribed by the attending physician, as well as care appropriate for the physical and psychological needs of each resident.

Physicians

Upon admission, each resident has a designated personal physician. An on-staff physician serves as North Ridge Medical Director and he is available to consult with the attending physician, staff and families on the medical care of residents. Medical emergencies that cannot be handled at North Ridge are referred to the emergency services of a nearby hospital.

Relatives' Change of Address

Relatives of residents are reminded to keep the Business Office and Nursing Station advised of any changes in their addresses or telephone numbers. We must have at least two telephone numbers listed in case of emergency. If leaving town, please advise us of where you can be reached.

Roommates

Resident and families will be informed of any roommate changes by written notice from the area Social Worker. If there are roommate concerns and if the resident would like to move to a different room the Social Worker will be able to assist the resident as rooms become available. Due to ever changing conditions of residents and the State regulations about room changes, requests may not be able to be honored immediately. We will do our best to accommodate requests in a timely manner.

Quality Assurance

MMH North Ridge takes the care provided to our residents very seriously. The Quality Assurance Steering Committee monitors and evaluates the many aspects of resident care regularly throughout the year. The Quality Assurance Steering Committee coordinates committees, special study focus groups, standards, consumer input and compliance with external regulations to ensure the care each resident receives is of the highest quality.

Personal Property

The Residents' Bill of Rights states that "the facility must either maintain a central locked depository or provide individual locked storage areas in which residents may store their valuables for safekeeping. The Facility may, but is not required to provide compensation for or replacement of lost or stolen items." North Ridge provides a central locked storage area for your personal valuables. If you place your valuables in the central locked depository, the facility assumes responsibility for them if they are lost or stolen while in the depository. Due to the many changes that occur during the aging process, residents are strongly encouraged to keep valuables, including valuable possessions that are worn, such as rings in the locked depository that is provided and replace with costume jewelry.

Motorized Vehicles

All Residents will receive a Therapy evaluation upon admission with a motorized vehicle or upon receiving one at a later date. An interdisciplinary assessment by appropriate personnel will then determine permission of usage within the facility.