The Bird House is a community-based not for profit dedicated to providing compassionate, dignified end-of-life-care by focusing on the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our guests and their loved ones in a peaceful, home-like environment.

DETAILED GUIDE FOR ADMISSION

  • LIFE EXPECTANCY OF SIX MONTHS OR LESS
This prognosis is subject to review by The Bird House (Hospice Home of Johnson County (HHJC)) RN Coordinator in consultation with the Hospice Agency interdisciplinary team*.  A personal visit with the prospective guest will be made before a final decision is made regarding the appropriateness of the individual’s admission to the Home.
  • THE GUEST DOES NOT REQUIRE CARE IN A HOSPITAL OR SKILLED NURSING CARE FACILITY
           The Bird House (HHJC) cannot provide care such as:        
                     IV medication (except PCA Pump)​         
                     a feeding tube or       
                     complicated wound care, for example.                   
                     We do not have an RN on service 24 hours a day.
  • HE GUEST MUST BE ENROLLED IN A LOCAL HOSPICE PROGRAM WITH A SIGNED HOSPICE AGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE BIRD HOUSE (HHJC).
            Current BIRD HOUSE Hospice partner agencies are: Iowa City Hospice, Essence of Life Hospice, Hospice Compassus & Hospice of Washington County
  • THE GUEST HAS ESTABLISHED A:
            “Do Not Resuscitate” Status and a Durable Power of Attorney.
  • THE BIRD HOUSE (HHJC) STAFF AND THE HOSPICE AGENCY PROVIDER SERVING THE GUEST, JOINTLY RECOMMEND ADMISSION AND AGREE UPON:
             the plan of care, the plans for discharge and/or continuing care*.
  • *THERE IS A PLAN FOR CONTINUED CARE FOR THE GUEST WHO MIGHT BE DISCHARGED FROM THE BIRD HOUSE (HHJC).
  • THE GUEST AND THE FAMILY/FRIENDS AGREE ON THE PURPOSE OF ADMISSION AND ON THE PLAN OF CARE, INCLUDING THE PROJECTED LENGTH OF STAY AT THE BIRD HOUSE (HHJC).
  • THE GUEST AND FAMILY/FRIENDS UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A $100 PER DAY FOR PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID AND $175 FOR OTHERS FOR CARE AT THE BIRD HOUSE (HHJC).  SOME LIMITED SLIDING SCALE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BECOME AVAILABLE
    • ​​Medicare/Medicaid does not cover any of the daily residency charge, but will                continue to pay for the hospice agency nursing services. 
  • RULES OF CONDUCT 
    • The guest’s and their family’s/friends’ behavior must not present a danger to self or others and should not be disruptive to others at The Bird House (HHJC) or the members of the neighborhood of the home.  Rules will be posted and must be             followed.  Respect for all members of the household-guests, visitors, staff and            volunteers-is of utmost importance.
  • NO SMOKING WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE BIRD HOUSE (HHJC).  THERE WILL BE A DESIGNATED “SAFE SMOKING” AREA OUTSIDE THE BUILDING.