People ask many questions about St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial. Answers to those most commonly asked are presented in this section. First, there are several general questions that we often hear. Those are followed by additional questions that were asked in a radio interview with Sandy Kombrink, associate administrator for St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial.

How do I go about getting my loved one into a nursing home?

The first step in making arrangements for nursing home care is to decide which facility best suits the needs of your loved one -- and his or her family and friends. Information on how to choose a nursing home is presented later in this section of our website, and in the sections entitled "Questions & Answers About Nursing Home Care" and "Nursing Home Checklist."

Having selected nursing homes of interest, you can call to inquire about the admission process and arrange for an initial meeting to discuss your loved one's care. Several different people will probably be involved in the admission, and you should take advantage of their knowledge and experience to help create a smooth transition to living in a nursing home.

You'll find that people at St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial are happy to talk with you at no obligation -- that they can answer your questions and help you deal with a wide range of issues.

How do I decide what kind of care is needed for my loved one?

Nursing homes offer several levels of care, ranging from assisted living for those who can look after many of their own needs -- to full nursing care for those who need continuous supervision and assistance.

As part of admission to a nursing home, a care plan is developed and then used to help meet a resident's individual needs. This plan results from meetings among the facility's healthcare professionals -- and the person or persons who will be the responsible parties for your loved one. His or her attending physician, the facility's medical director, members of the nursing staff, therapists and others may participate to ensure that the care plan is tailored to specific needs and to helping your loved one remain as independent as possible.

Because needs can change over time, care plans at St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial are reviewed and amended on a regular basis. In addition, you may request that the plan be changed to meet specific needs that develop.

Where are the Brothers' nursing homes?

Located about 30 minutes from St. Louis, Price Memorial is situated on a hilltop in the City of Eureka at 300 Forby Road. St. Joseph's Hill is located on sprawling grounds in rural Eureka -- about eight miles outside town. Driving directions can be obtained by clicking on the "Contact Us" section of this website.

When will I be able to visit my loved one?

Visits by relatives, friends, clergy and others are strongly encouraged. While visits are most easily accommodated from late morning through early evening, you can visit your loved one at any time by making arrangements with the nursing staff.

What about taking residents home for a visit?

Depending upon the needs and condition of your loved one, he or she is free to leave the facility under appropriate circumstances. Whether it's spending a holiday at home, a shopping trip, going out to dinner, or other activity, arrangements can be made for such special visits outside the facility.

What's a typical day like at St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial?

While daily activities are widely varied to meet many individuals' needs, residents at St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial are generally encouraged to live life to their fullest potential. For many, that means remaining active and participating in a variety of services and activities offered by the homes.

As is the case with most of us, a typical day at the facilities begins with getting up -- bathing, dressing, and having breakfast. Depending upon a resident's particular needs, professional care may include dispensing medications, physical therapy to help restore and maintain range of motion, speech therapy to help regain communication abilities, and treatments prescribed through physicians' orders.

Morning "coffee chats" are popular among some residents, when they get together to discuss current events in the news, talk about their lives and experiences, or just visit in a group. For many, having lunch and dinner in the dining room provides similar opportunities for socialization. From time to time, meals turn into special events such as picnics and barbecues.

Recreational therapy provides many residents with the ongoing opportunity to pursue hobbies, work with crafts, and enjoy a feeling of being productive. Visits from relatives and friends may brighten residents' days -- not only the visits themselves, but also anticipating and preparing for them -- and then reflecting on them later.

Of course, there's a range of the ordinary activities that many of us enjoy -- from reading and watching television to going outside for a little exercise or just to enjoy the weather. Courtyard gardening and other activities also appeal to many.

Keeping active and enjoying life can mean getting away for a while, and many residents at St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial look forward to supervised outings, which take them shopping, bowling, out to dinner -- even to Cardinal baseball games in St. Louis.

Your loved one's typical day depends upon his or her needs, potential and interests. With the help of residents' relatives and friends, nursing home staff members assist each person in their care to find fulfillment in their daily lives.

From the Radio Interview

There are many nursing homes in the greater St. Louis area. What makes your facilities different -- what sets them apart from all the others?

There are several things that make St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial different from other nursing homes in the area. Probably the biggest difference is that our facilities are owned and operated by the Franciscan Missionary Brothers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since the 1920s, the Brothers have been caring for the elderly and the infirm. And, today, they continue to operate St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial to help men and women of all faiths. Under the philosophy of our facilities, each resident is treated individually -- and encouraged to live life to his or her fullest potential.

Associate Administrator Sandy Kombrink spoke about nursing home care in a radio inerview.

What else is different about your nursing homes?

Well, there's their location, for instance. Unlike many facilities in the metropolitan area, St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial are both set in peaceful surroundings -- outside the hustle and bustle of big-city life. St. Joseph's Hill is located several miles outside Eureka, nestled in the wooded country hills. It's a beautiful location with its lawns and all of the trees it overlooks. And, Price Memorial, which is located in Eureka, also has a tranquil setting -- with spacious grounds surrounding its hilltop location. Both facilities provide a peaceful environment, yet they're only about a half-hour's drive from St. Louis.

What's the typical day like for one of your residents?

That depends on the resident and his or her condition and capabilities. As I said before, each person is encouraged to live life to the fullest potential. For many residents, that means a variety of activities designed to keep them active and to provide them with companionship. Some mornings we have discussion groups over coffee. There are parties for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. And then, there are outings -- for bowling, for Cardinal baseball games at Busch Stadium, and for other trips that give residents a chance to spend some time away from the facilities.

What about people who need special services? Do your facilities have on-site programs to meet residents' specialized needs?

Indeed we do. Many of our residents come to us recovering from a variety of illnesses, including stokes and other major healthcare problems.

Where appropriate, physical therapy is provided to help residents regain the use of their arms and legs -- to help them be as independent as possible. Similarly, speech therapy is provided on-site for those who are attempting to overcome debilitating illnesses. Beyond that, many of our residents benefit from recreational and occupational therapy, engaging in a variety of activities that not only keep them active, but also provide the setting for socialization. Dental and eyecare services are also available. And, on the lighter side, there's an on-site beauty shop where our residents can enjoy getting their hair fixed.

How should someone go about choosing a nursing home?

The best advice I can give is to look around. Before such an important decision is made, visit a number of nursing homes -- talk with the staff members, residents and family members there -- and don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem uncomfortable. There are many such questions that should form the basis of a checklist for each facility you visit. For example, does the facility provide the appropriate level of nursing care for your loved one? Is there provision for maintaining an older person's individuality and dignity? Are there activities to help residents feel needed? What about the food? Are good meals served in pleasant surroundings? Are there social and recreational activities? Is there a peaceful, yet active atmosphere that fosters the potential for each resident to live life to the fullest?

Many people have difficulty in deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home. What would you say to them?

A lot of people go to great lengths to keep older loved ones at home -- even though they're not able to provide the best physical and emotional

care that the person needs. Even if they are able to do this, such intense caring can cause undue stress within the family and be the source of many problems. First and foremost, people should do what is right for themselves. When home care is no longer adequate, they need to make the decision for the best alternative arrangement. And, many times, that involves nursing home care -- the kind of compassionate care offered at facilities like St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial. Feelings of helplessness and guilt are common among people faced with this kind of decision. Anger and resentment can also be the result. But, if people are truly doing all they can within the limitations of their own lives and other responsibilities, these negative feelings -- as natural as they may be -- are basically irrational and need to be understood as such. The social services worker and other healthcare professionals at facilities like ours can help family members come to terms with decisions that need to be made -- decisions that need to be made in the best interests of their loved ones.

You mentioned earlier that your facilities are owned and operated by the Franciscan Missionary Brothers. Does that make them Catholic nursing homes?

The Brothers are clearly members of a Catholic order. Both St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial have chapels where mass is held on a regular basis. Catholicism has a great influence on the philosophy and the manner in which the facilities are operated. However, both nursing homes welcome people of all faiths. There are non-denominational church services and clergymen of all faiths visit our residents. The Brothers are committed to caring for the sick and the elderly -- regardless of faith -- and to providing compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

How can I get more information?

Additional information on St. Joseph's Hill and Price Memorial can be found on this website by clicking on "Our Nursing Homes" and other menu topics. If you have questions that aren't answered here, please let us know by clicking on "Contact Us."