# FAQs > Find answers to FAQs, covering amenities and healthcare options to help you make informed decisions about your loved ones care. **Canonical URL:** https://stmmercy.org/faqs/ **Last updated:** 2026-10-02 ## About St. Margaret's What is St. Margaret's Family of Care? St. Margaret’s Family of Care is a New Orleans-based network of senior care facilities and services dedicated to providing skilled nursing, long-term residential care, short-term rehabilitation, ALS care, respite services, and specialized pharmacy services. Our flagship campus, St. Margaret’s at Mercy, is located at 3525 Bienville Street in Mid-City New Orleans. Our second skilled nursing facility, St. Jude’s, is located at 450 S Claiborne Ave Bldg A in Downtown New Orleans. Our mission is to treat every resident with the dignity and personal attention of a family member — because at St. Margaret’s, residents truly are family. What makes St. Margaret's different from other nursing facilities in New Orleans? St. Margaret’s is one of only a small number of facilities in the New Orleans region — and the country — to operate on the household model of care. Rather than a traditional institutional layout, our residents live in small, home-like communities called households, each anchored by a country kitchen, a real wood-burning hearth room, and dedicated staff who become genuine companions, not just caregivers. We also operate Louisiana’s only ALS residential household, equipped with PEAC eye-gaze technology that allows residents with ALS to control their environment independently. This combination of innovative technology and deeply personal care is simply not found elsewhere in Louisiana. What facilities are part of the St. Margaret's network? The St. Margaret’s Family of Care network includes: St. Margaret’s at Mercy (3525 Bienville Street, Mid-City New Orleans), our flagship skilled nursing facility and home to the ALS House for Innovative Living; St. Jude’s (450 S Claiborne Ave Bldg A, Downtown New Orleans), a household model skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and short-term rehabilitation; and St. Paul’s Pharmacy, located within St. Margaret’s at Mercy and serving both network residents and the general public. What is the household model of care? The household model is a philosophy of elder care that replaces the institutional nursing home environment with small, self-contained homes — called households or neighborhoods — each designed to feel and function like a genuine home. At St. Margaret’s, each household has its own country kitchen where meals are cooked fresh and served family-style, a hearth room with a real fireplace, private resident rooms, and a consistent team of dedicated caregivers. Residents direct their own daily routines, including when they wake, when they eat, and how they spend their time. Research consistently shows that the household model leads to better health outcomes, reduced isolation, and a higher quality of life compared to traditional institutional care. Is St. Margaret's a faith-based organization? St. Margaret’s is rooted in a tradition of compassionate, mission-driven care. Our campus includes a chapel for spiritual worship and reflection, and spiritual care is integrated into the daily life of our residents. We warmly welcome residents and families of all faiths and backgrounds. Spiritual support is available to those who wish to participate; it is never required. What are your visiting hours? We believe that family connection is essential to resident wellbeing. We encourage family visits and work to keep our doors open and welcoming. We recommend calling ahead to confirm current visiting hours, as these may vary based on individual resident schedules and any applicable health guidelines. Please call us at [(504) 279-6414](tel:+15042796414) for the most current information. Can I schedule a tour before making a decision? Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. There is no better way to understand the St. Margaret’s difference than to walk through our households, meet our staff, and see the care environment for yourself. Tours are available at both St. Margaret’s at Mercy and St. Jude’s. To schedule a personal tour, call us at [(504) 279-6414](tel:+15042796414) or fill out the contact form on this page. How do I find out about current bed availability? Bed availability changes frequently. The fastest way to check current availability at St. Margaret’s at Mercy, St. Jude’s, or the ALS House is to call our admissions team directly at [(504) 321-6555](tel:+15043216555). You can also submit the contact form and our team will follow up with you promptly — typically within one business day. ## Long-Term Residential Care Who is long-term care at St. Margaret's designed for? Long-term care at St. Margaret’s is designed for seniors who require ongoing skilled nursing support or personal care assistance and for whom living independently at home is no longer safe or practical. This includes individuals with chronic health conditions, advanced age-related needs, physical or cognitive impairments, or those recovering from a significant health event who need more support than family caregivers can provide. Our long-term residents become true members of our household community — many live with us for months or years and build deep friendships with staff and fellow residents. What does daily life look like for long-term residents? Daily life at St. Margaret’s is built around choice, comfort, and connection. Each morning begins with the aroma of freshly prepared, cooked-to-order meals in the household kitchen. Residents eat together at family-style dining tables, sharing meals prepared by our executive chef who accommodates individual dietary preferences and restrictions. Throughout the day, residents enjoy a mix of structured activities and unstructured time. Programming includes bingo and game nights, arts and crafts, music therapy, exercise classes, pet therapy visits, intergenerational programs, and signature New Orleans celebrations like Mardi Gras balls. The hearth room in each household serves as a natural gathering place for conversation, television, and relaxation. Are rooms private or shared? St. Margaret’s offers both private and semi-private room options. Private rooms provide residents with full personal space and privacy, while still being integrated into the vibrant shared household environment. Room availability varies, so we encourage you to contact our admissions team to discuss current options and preferences. What amenities are available on campus? Our campus is designed to support a full, active life. Amenities at St. Margaret’s at Mercy include: three lush outdoor garden spaces including an ALS-accessible sensory garden, a chapel for spiritual worship and reflection, a full-service hair salon, an on-site therapy gym, a resident library, a multi-purpose event room, four dedicated activity rooms, cozy indoor lounge areas, outdoor patios in every neighborhood, a country kitchen in each household, and a hearth room with a real fireplace in each household. What skilled nursing services are available for long-term residents? Long-term residents at St. Margaret’s receive 24-hour skilled nursing care from a team of licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. Clinical services include medication management, wound care, chronic disease management, dietary planning, and coordination with attending physicians and specialist consultants. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are also available on campus for residents who need ongoing therapeutic support. Does Medicare cover long-term residential care? Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial nursing home care — only skilled nursing or rehabilitation services following a qualifying hospital stay (typically covered for up to 100 days under specific conditions). For residents who need ongoing personal or medical care beyond this window, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and private pay are the primary funding sources. Our admissions team will walk you through every available option in detail. Can residents personalize their rooms? Yes — and we actively encourage it. Making a resident’s room feel like home is central to the household model. Families are welcome to bring personal furniture, photographs, artwork, bedding, and meaningful belongings to make the space a true personal sanctuary. Our staff will work with you to ensure the room setup is safe, accessible, and reflective of your loved one’s personality and history. ## Short-Term Rehabilitation What is short-term rehabilitation care? Short-term rehabilitation care is a focused, medically supervised recovery program for patients who have recently experienced a surgery, illness, injury, or hospitalization and need professional care before returning home. Common admission diagnoses include joint replacement surgery, hip or knee surgery, stroke recovery, cardiac events, and orthopedic injuries. At St. Margaret’s, short-term rehab patients receive the same warm, home-like household environment as our long-term residents — with the added benefit of intensive, goal-oriented therapy services designed to accelerate recovery and restore function. What therapy services are available? Our on-site rehabilitation team provides physical therapy (rebuilding strength, balance, mobility, and function after surgery or injury), occupational therapy (restoring the ability to perform daily activities including dressing, bathing, cooking, and fine motor tasks), and speech-language pathology (addressing swallowing difficulties, communication challenges, and cognitive rehabilitation). Therapy sessions are scheduled based on each patient’s individualized care plan and recovery goals, in close coordination with referring physicians. How long does short-term rehabilitation typically last? The length of a short-term rehabilitation stay varies based on the individual’s diagnosis, rate of recovery, and personal goals. Most patients stay between two and six weeks, though some may require shorter or longer stays. Our care team works closely with the patient, family, and attending physician to set realistic milestones and a target discharge date from the moment of admission. Does Medicare cover short-term rehabilitation at St. Margaret's? Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care — including short-term rehabilitation — following a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least three days. Days 1–20 are covered at 100% of the approved amount; days 21–100 carry a daily co-insurance amount; and coverage ends at day 101. Our admissions team will verify your Medicare benefits before or at admission. We also accept Medicare Advantage plans — please contact us to confirm your specific plan’s coverage. Can I be admitted directly from the hospital? Yes. The most common pathway for short-term rehabilitation admission is a direct transfer from a hospital following surgery or treatment. Our admissions team works with hospital discharge planners and case managers to facilitate smooth, efficient transfers. If you or a family member is currently hospitalized and considering St. Margaret’s for post-acute care, ask your hospital case manager to reach out to us directly, or call [(504) 321-6555](tel:+15043216555) to get the process started. What happens when short-term rehab is complete — can I transition to long-term care? Yes. If at the conclusion of short-term rehabilitation a patient and family determine that transitioning to long-term residential care is the right choice, St. Margaret’s makes that process as seamless as possible. Because the patient already knows our staff, our households, and our environment, the transition is far less disruptive than moving to a new facility entirely. Our admissions team will discuss all available options well in advance of your discharge date. ## Respite Care What is respite care and who is it for? Respite care is short-term, temporary care provided at St. Margaret’s so that family caregivers can take a break, travel, recover from an illness, handle personal obligations, or simply rest. It is also used to provide a safe, structured environment for a senior during a period when their regular home care routine is disrupted. Respite care at St. Margaret’s is available on a planned basis and is designed for stays of varying lengths, from a few days to several weeks. How long can a respite stay last? Respite stays at St. Margaret’s are flexible and tailored to the needs of each family. Stays can range from a few days to several weeks. We encourage families to plan ahead and contact us early to confirm availability, as respite beds fill quickly — especially around holidays and peak travel seasons. What care does a respite resident receive? Respite residents at St. Margaret’s receive the same attentive skilled nursing care, fresh meals, engaging activities, and warm household environment as our long-term residents. During a respite stay, our care team conducts a thorough intake assessment so that medications, dietary needs, daily routines, and personal preferences are honored from the very first day. Respite residents are welcomed as full members of the household community for the duration of their stay. Does Medicare cover respite care? Medicare provides limited respite care coverage only within the context of hospice care (up to five consecutive inpatient days at a time). Standalone respite stays at a skilled nursing facility are generally not covered by Medicare. Medicaid may offer some coverage depending on the beneficiary’s plan and state program. Most respite stays are funded through long-term care insurance or private pay. Our admissions team will help you navigate your specific coverage options. How do I arrange a respite stay for my loved one? The easiest way to arrange a respite stay is to call our admissions team at [(504) 321-6555](tel:+15043216555). We’ll discuss your loved one’s needs, confirm availability, and walk you through the paperwork and intake process. We recommend reaching out at least two to four weeks in advance when possible, particularly for planned vacations or predictable caregiver absences. ## Memory Care Does St. Margaret's offer memory care? Yes. St. Margaret’s cares for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of memory loss as part of our long-term and skilled nursing care programs. Our household model — with its consistent staff, familiar routines, small-community scale, and home-like environment — is particularly well suited to supporting residents with cognitive impairment, as it naturally reduces the disorientation and anxiety that institutional settings can cause. How does the household model support residents with dementia? Research consistently shows that residents with dementia do better in smaller, stable, home-like environments with consistent caregivers — precisely what the household model provides. At St. Margaret’s, each household has a small, consistent team of caregivers who come to know each resident’s history, preferences, triggers, and rhythms deeply. The predictable daily routine of shared meals, familiar faces, hearth room gatherings, and purposeful activities provides the structure and calm that supports cognitive wellbeing. Are staff trained in dementia and memory care? Yes. All direct care staff at St. Margaret’s receive training in person-centered dementia care techniques, including approaches designed to minimize behavioral disturbances, support communication, and preserve dignity at every stage of cognitive decline. We take a holistic approach to memory care — addressing not just medical needs but emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing as well. What activities are offered for residents with memory impairment? Our activities programming is designed to engage residents at every level of cognitive ability. For residents with memory impairment, this includes music therapy (which research shows can reach individuals even in advanced stages of dementia), sensory-based activities, gentle exercise, pet therapy visits, intergenerational programs, and meaningful task engagement such as folding, gardening, and reminiscence activities. Every activity is offered with flexibility and without pressure. How do I know when it's time to consider memory care for my loved one? This is one of the most difficult decisions a family can face, and there is no single right answer. Common signs that professional memory care may be the right step include safety concerns at home (wandering, falls, forgetting medications), caregiver burnout, significant changes in behavior or personality, an inability to manage daily activities safely, and a level of care need that exceeds what family members can provide. We encourage families to call us even if they’re simply exploring options — our team is here to help you think through the decision without any pressure. ## St. Paul's Pharmacy What is St. Paul's Pharmacy? St. Paul’s Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy conveniently located within St. Margaret’s at Mercy. Originally serving the medication needs of residents across the St. Margaret’s network, St. Paul’s Pharmacy now welcomes patients and members of the general public as well. What services does St. Paul's Pharmacy offer? St. Paul’s Pharmacy offers a comprehensive range of pharmaceutical services including prescription dispensing, medication management consultation, long-term care pharmacy services, and compounding. The pharmacy team is available to consult with both residents and their family members on medication questions, interactions, adherence, and proper usage. Staff follow established clinical guidelines to ensure the highest standards of medication safety. Is St. Paul's Pharmacy open to the general public? Yes. While St. Paul’s Pharmacy was established to serve the residents of St. Margaret’s at Mercy and St. Jude’s, the pharmacy now accepts prescriptions from members of the broader community. If you are looking for a local New Orleans pharmacy with experienced, attentive staff and a commitment to personalized service, we welcome you to visit or call. Where is St. Paul's Pharmacy located? St. Paul’s Pharmacy is located inside St. Margaret’s at Mercy at 3525 Bienville Street, Mid-City New Orleans. Parking is available on campus. Please call us at [(504) 321-6555](tel:+15043216555) for current hours and any additional information. How does the pharmacy coordinate medication for nursing home residents? For residents of St. Margaret’s at Mercy and St. Jude’s, St. Paul’s Pharmacy works in close coordination with the nursing care team and attending physicians to manage medication orders, monitor for interactions, support medication reconciliation at admission and discharge, and ensure that all medications are available and properly administered. This integrated model eliminates many of the communication gaps that occur when pharmacy and nursing care are managed by separate organizations. ## Admissions & Payment What payment sources does St. Margaret's accept? St. Margaret’s Family of Care accepts Medicare (Parts A and B, and Medicare Advantage plans), Medicaid (Louisiana Medicaid for eligible residents), long-term care insurance, VA benefits (particularly relevant for ALS admissions), and private pay. Our admissions team will review your specific coverage and help you understand what is covered, what your out-of-pocket responsibilities may be, and what financial assistance options may be available. Does St. Margaret's accept Medicare? Yes. St. Margaret’s is a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility. Medicare Part A covers short-term skilled nursing care and rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital stay. Coverage timelines and co-pay schedules apply. We strongly recommend bringing relevant insurance documentation to your admissions appointment so our team can verify your specific coverage details accurately and completely. Does St. Margaret's accept Medicaid? Yes. St. Margaret’s accepts Louisiana Medicaid for eligible residents, which can be particularly important for individuals who require long-term residential care. Medicaid eligibility is based on financial need and functional criteria set by the state. If your loved one may qualify for Medicaid — or is approaching Medicaid eligibility — our team can help connect you with resources to navigate the application process. What documents should I bring to the admissions appointment? To ensure a smooth admission, please plan to bring: your Medicare and/or Medicaid card; insurance cards (supplemental, Medicare Advantage, long-term care); recent medical records including hospital discharge summary, physician orders, and a current medication list; legal documents including Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy/Advance Directive, and Living Will if applicable; Social Security card and photo ID; and a list of current medications, allergies, and relevant medical history. If gathering all documents in advance is difficult, please don’t let that delay reaching out — our admissions team will help you identify what is most critical and what can be obtained after arrival. How quickly can my loved one be admitted? Admission timelines depend on bed availability and the clinical complexity of the individual being admitted. In urgent situations — particularly for hospital-to-SNF transfers — our team works to facilitate admissions as quickly as possible, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours of initial contact. For planned admissions, we typically have more lead time to coordinate a smooth transition. Contact us as early as possible to begin the process. What happens during the admissions process? Our admissions process typically includes an initial phone consultation to discuss your needs and our availability, a clinical pre-assessment to confirm that St. Margaret’s can appropriately meet your loved one’s care needs, a financial discussion to review payment sources and coverage, completion of admission paperwork, and a care planning meeting with our nursing team shortly after arrival. We keep families informed at every step. What if I have long-term care insurance? Long-term care insurance can be an excellent resource for funding both short-term rehabilitation and long-term residential care. Policies vary significantly in terms of what they cover, daily benefit amounts, elimination periods, and inflation protections. We recommend reviewing your policy carefully and contacting your insurer before or shortly after admission. Our team can assist with the documentation required to file a claim and work with your insurer on your behalf where possible. What is private pay, and what does it cost? Private pay means that the cost of care is funded directly by the individual or family, without reliance on insurance or government benefits. Private pay rates at St. Margaret’s vary based on the type of care, room type, and level of services required. For specific rate information, we ask that you contact our admissions team directly, as rates are best discussed in the context of your loved one’s specific care needs and situation. We are committed to transparent pricing and will ensure you have a clear understanding of all costs before admission. ## For Families & Caregivers How will I stay informed about my loved one's care and health status? Communication with families is a priority at St. Margaret’s. Our care team — including nurses, social workers, and the activities director — maintains open lines of communication with family members and designated representatives. You will be contacted promptly for any significant changes in your loved one’s health status, any falls or incidents, and for regular care plan meetings. We also encourage family members to call or visit regularly and to approach our staff with any questions or concerns at any time. What should I do if I have a concern about my loved one's care? We take all family concerns seriously and want to address them promptly. If you have a concern, we encourage you to speak first with the charge nurse or household manager during your next visit or by phone. If you feel your concern has not been addressed satisfactorily, you may also contact the Director of Nursing or the facility Administrator. Louisiana also has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program — an independent advocacy office — which families may contact at any time. Can family members participate in care planning? Absolutely — and we actively encourage it. Care planning meetings are held shortly after admission and periodically thereafter, and family members or authorized representatives are invited to participate fully. These meetings involve the nursing team, therapy team, social worker, activities director, and other relevant staff, and they are an opportunity to discuss goals, preferences, concerns, and any changes in care approach. Your voice matters in your loved one’s care. How can I support my loved one's wellbeing during their stay? Your presence and involvement make an enormous difference in your loved one’s experience. We encourage regular visits, phone calls, participation in activities and events, and bringing personal items from home that provide comfort and familiarity. If your loved one has a particular favorite food, hobby, tradition, or meaningful activity, let our staff know — we will do our best to incorporate it into their daily life. Family connection is not a supplement to care at St. Margaret’s; it is part of care. Does St. Margaret's offer support for family caregivers? Yes. We understand that families navigating a loved one’s care needs are often managing their own stress and exhaustion alongside everything else. Our social work team is available to provide support, guidance, and connection to community resources — for both residents and their families. Whether you need help processing a difficult care transition, finding caregiver support groups, navigating insurance paperwork, or simply talking through a difficult decision, we are here. How do I get started if I'm not sure which type of care is right for my loved one? Start by calling us. Our admissions team is experienced at helping families think through care options — not just at St. Margaret’s, but in terms of what level of care makes clinical and practical sense for your loved one’s situation. There is never any obligation or pressure. We believe that families who feel informed and respected make the best decisions for their loved ones, and we are committed to being a resource whether or not St. Margaret’s ultimately turns out to be the right fit. Call us at [(504) 321-6555](tel:+15043216555) — we are happy to help. ## Schedule a Tour - [About Us](https://stmmercy.org/about-us/) - [Foundation](https://stmmercy.org/st-margarets-foundation/) - [Donate](https://stmmercy.org/donate/) - [Volunteer](https://stmmercy.org/volunteer-opportunities/) ## [(504) 279-6414](tel:+15042796414) ## info@stmmercy.org --- *Markdown generated by the AI Content plugin from [Touch Point Digital Marketing Agency](https://touchpointdigitalmarketing.com/index.html.md).*