Who owns and operates
Bethesda Home?
Bethesda Home is owned and operated by the Norwegian Lutheran Bethesda Home Association, Inc., a not-for-profit Illinois corporation. The business affairs of Bethesda are guided by an independent, voluntary Board of Directors. Daily operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer and staff who oversee various departments.

How does one apply for admission
into Bethesda Home?
The first step is to call, e-mail or visit us to acquire an admissions information packet. After reviewing the materials, you are encouraged to call and arrange for a tour of our facility.

Is residency dependent upon
my religious affiliation?
No. Bethesda does not discriminate on the basis of religious affiliation, race or national origin. Worship services are interdenominational and open to anyone who wishes to participate.

Is a deposit required when entering Bethesda Home?
Yes. A security deposit is required upon admission. The deposit and refund policy can be discussed in further detail with the Director of Admissions.

May I retain my family physician?
Yes. Many residents in the independent living areas continue to visit their family physician's office.

Your family physician may continue to provide care within the Health Care Center as long as the physician is willing to adhere to our medical policies. If this is inconvenient for any reason, Bethesda has several physicians who visit periodically and could assume responsibility for medical care at the resident's request. Specialists such as a podiatrist and dentist also come to Bethesda when needed.

How are medications administered in the Health Care Center?
All prescribed medications are dispensed by a registered pharmacist and administered by a licensed nurse. No other medications should be stored in resident rooms without a physician order. This includes all over-the-counter and non-prescription drugs.

Regulatory guidelines require medications to be packaged and labeled in a unit dose system by a registered pharmacist. We encourage use of our contract pharmacy as they are equipped to handle the required packaging, provide the necessary physician order and medication administration record forms for the resident's medical chart, and conduct monthly reviews for quality control.

May I furnish my own room at Bethesda?
Yes. We expect residents in suites and apartments to provide their own furniture. In deciding upon furnishings, we suggest elimination of items that will crowd living space and make it difficult to maintain a safe and clean environment.

Residents in the Health Care Center are encouraged to personalize their rooms. Although Sheltered Care rooms are furnished with a bed and dresser, a treasured curio cabinet or special lounge chair will help a new resident feel at home. Intermediate and Skilled Care rooms are furnished with a bed, wardrobe and nightstand. Residents often bring pictures, pillows, afghans or other decorative items that make their surroundings more home-like and cheerful.

Are televisions, radios or other electrical appliances permitted in resident rooms?
Yes. Televisions and radios are welcomed and a central antennae hook-up is provided for improved TV reception. Because of concern for resident safety however, other appliances such as hot plates or coffee pots are not permitted in the Health Care Center.

Electrical appliances brought into the independent living section of the Home will be examined by our maintenance staff to verify that electrical cords and connections are in good condition.

What about visiting hours in the Health Care Center?
Visitors are welcome at any time as long as the resident's wishes are observed, including regard for his or her personal schedule. Guests are expected to sign the guest register in the front lobby and wear an identification badge at the time of visitation. The front lobby is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

How do I arrange to be away from Bethesda for brief or longer periods of time?
Residents of apartments and suites are free to come and go at will. For security reasons however, residents who plan to be away overnight or longer are requested to notify the front desk.

Residents leaving Bethesda from the Health Care Center during the day are expected to sign out, indicating destination and expected return time. Because medications are prescribed according to certain schedules, the time and duration of the absence are important to our staff.