How do I pay for Assisted Care?
We accept most Long Term Care Insurances (even many who claim "Nursing Home Only", it depends on the company), and Veterans can be covered in our facility. We regret that we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

What is an Assisted Care Facility as opposed to a Nursing Home?
At Fishers Peak Assisted Care, because we are not a Medicaid Facility, we can accept a more varied population than an Alternative Care Facility (Medicaid Facility). We can administer medications; but unlike a nursing home we cannot do injections, intravenous treatments (IV's), respirators or similar medical treatments. Home Health and Physical Therapy Agencies do come into our facility to provide wound care, catheter maintenance, rehabilitation therapies, etc. with which our staff can assist. Consequently, we are less institutional and more homelike!

We can assist with (or provide total care in the case of a bed bound or paralyzed person) showers, bathing, hygiene and grooming; we can help our residents dress and undress; we help with mobility from oversight to wheelchair transporting; we can help with lifting and transfers from bed to chair (toilet, wheelchair, etc.), plus we have an electronic lift for extra help; we prepare our homemade meals onsite which allow us to cater to our residents' needs, wishes, and tastes (Resident's Choice is every Wednesday, and Bar-B-Qs during the warmer months).

We offer activities both in-house and outside our facility (such as road trips to Sugarite Canyon, LaVeta via Highway 12, even gambling trips to Cripple Creek on the Senior center sponsored bus, among other excursions . . . don’t forget to ask to see our activity scrapbook lovingly prepared by Carole, our dedicated and enthusiastic Activities Director!

We offer assistance from minor care to total care in toileting; and we will help in scheduling doctor appointments and arranging transportation as needed.

How many staff per resident do you have, & what does the State require?
The State requires 1 staff person for every 10 residents during the day, and 1 to 15 at night. We typically staff between 1:4 and 1:8 during the day, and 1:7 and 1:12 at night. Staffing depends on how many mobility impaired residents we have, and how severe the impairment.

Are you licensed?
Yes, we are licensed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Ask about our low deficiency rate for our annual State surveys/inspections.

Can you take care of residents who have bed sores?
Yes, we can. I must say our staff excels when it comes to preventing pressure ulcers! When we have had a resident admitted with one or more pressure ulcers, or they return from the hospital with the same, we are top notch at providing proper nutrition and making certain the person changes position often to speed the healing of these afflictions. Southwestern Physical & Occupational Therapy (SWPT) is a great partner in caring for these ulcers at a higher nursing level to make certain they heal as quickly as possible!

My loved one broke her hip/pelvis. When she gets out of the hospital can you take care of her?
Absolutely, as long as the person does not need a Hoyer Lift. This means the person must be light enough our staff, with or without our Liko Lift, can physically lift and transfer your loved one. There have been few cases we've had to turn away for this reason.

My loved one is a diabetic; do you prepare your menus with that in mind? He gives himself insulin shots, is that allowed?
If we have a diabetic among our residents we certainly make every effort to cut sugars and carbohydrates to accommodate this diagnosis; even to the point of preparing special foods for the individual(s) with diabetes. Your loved one can enter Fishers Peak Assisted Care if he or she can administer his or her own insulin injections. The State does not allow our staff to do so.

My loved one is on oxygen. Can she still enter your facility?
Absolutely! Our staff is trained to provide services to individuals on oxygen. The medical supply companies provide on-site services (oxygen tanks, concentrators, and sundry supplies), as well as follow-up care here.

Is your staff trained to deliver First Aid?
Yes, most are trained through the Trinidad Red Cross. We have periodic trainings to update our skills.

Can your staff administer medications?
Yes. All our staff is required to attend a Qualified Medication Administration Class. Only those who pass the tests (written and clinical) are allowed to administer medications. We cannot; however, administer injections or intravenous treatments (IV's).

Does your facility have hospital beds?
Yes, 3 of our beds are hospital beds. Residents furnish their own wheelchairs, walkers and bedside commodes, except on a temporary basis.

Do your residents have to get up at a certain time for breakfast?
Our residents are allowed to get up at any time. Some are early risers, wanting to get up before 6:00 am, while others enjoy sleeping in past 9:00am. We prepare whatever each wants for breakfast, made fresh every morning. Some want bacon & eggs, while another may prefer pancakes.

Can residents leave the facility for lunch, an overnight or weekend stay with family or friends?
Absolutely, in fact, we encourage outings with family and friends. Visitors, too, are encouraged. Visiting hours are 7am-8pm. Please let us know if you are coming in late so we may inform our nightshift.

Besides room, board, and utilities, what else is included in the monthly fee?
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). . . see Care Plan, absorbency products, bed linens, towels and wash cloths, personal laundry, housekeeping services as often as necessary, television & telephone in common areas (private lines for both available), snacks are available around the clock so let us know your preferences, local newspapers and the Pueblo Chieftain, various magazines, activities, hygiene and grooming supplies, and 24 hour staff each and every day.

Do you have fire drills?
Yes, we have fire drills in accordance to the State Regulations, often more than recommended. We have an electronic fire alarm system that is inspected at least annually, train all new staff in drill and evacuation procedures, have fire suppression in-services, and have installed a fire evacuation ramp.