Thinking About Admission? We Have Answers
Choosing care for someone you love can feel like an impossible decision, especially when you do not know where to begin. Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take or what questions even need to be asked. We listen first. We take time to learn about your loved one and talk through what you need to know so you can feel more certain about what comes next. You do not have to have everything in order before you reach out.
When Brookside is the right fit, we make sure you never have to figure it out alone. We stay in touch, answer every question, and handle the details so you can focus on your loved one. From the first conversation to the day they arrive, you can count on us to guide you through each step.
FAQs
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Brookside accepts children and adults with profound to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities. Most residents are non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and require total care. We serve individuals with complex medical needs, including feeding tubes, tracheostomies, seizure disorders, oxygen support, and other high-acuity conditions. Common diagnoses include cerebral palsy, anoxic or traumatic brain injury, and congenital disorders present from birth.
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Brookside accepts traditional Medicaid through Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) or Long Term Care (LTC) programs. Managed care plans such as CareSource, Molina, or Buckeye are not accepted at our facility. If your loved one is currently enrolled in a managed care plan or does not yet have Medicaid in place, that is completely okay. Our team will walk you through the process to make sure the correct Medicaid coverage is in place before admission.
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While Brookside provides a high level of medical and personal care, there are certain needs we are not able to accommodate. We are not fit for individuals who are ambulatory with complex behavioral challenges such as elopement, property destruction, or physical aggression toward others. Medically, we are unable to accept individuals who require ventilator care, those who use both a tracheostomy and BiPAP (which is considered ventilator-level support), or those who require nasogastric (NG) tube feeding.
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Our Admissions Director, Madison Lindeman, is the first point of contact for anyone interested in placement at Brookside Extended Care. We begin by gathering basic information about the individual’s medical, behavioral, and daily care needs to determine if Brookside may be an appropriate fit. If the individual meets our criteria, we request supporting documentation such as the Individual Service Plan (ISP), IEP and ETR if school-aged, current physician orders including a full medication list, the most recent psychiatric evaluation, any current behavior plans, and any additional information outlining supervision needs or behavioral concerns. Once reviewed, we work with the family or referral source to coordinate a tour or next steps toward admission, keeping the process as clear and supportive as possible.
Madison.Lindeman@brookside-care.net
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Individuals who currently receive waiver services can still be referred to Brookside. However, waiver and ICF funding cannot be used at the same time. If we determine that the individual is appropriate for admission, their waiver will need to be closed or placed on hold before ICF Medicaid coverage can begin. This is a common part of the process, and we work closely with the county board and guardian to make sure the transition is handled correctly. Our team can help coordinate timelines, explain what to expect, and make sure there are no gaps in coverage during the change. Once the waiver is closed, the ICF Medicaid funding will take over as the primary payer source for the individual’s care at Brookside.
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Brookside does not hold beds without a confirmed admission plan in place. If an individual is approved, we will work with the guardian or referral source to coordinate a realistic admission timeline. We understand that delays can happen with funding or documentation, and we will do our best to be flexible. However, a bed cannot be reserved indefinitely without a clear path forward.
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If Brookside isn’t the best fit for an individual’s needs, we don’t just stop there. As the initial point of contact, our Admissions Director works closely with families to gather detailed information about each person’s medical, behavioral, and daily care needs. If it becomes clear that Brookside may not be suitable, she helps guide families toward other options within our network, such as Takoda Trails, MAG Homes, John Gray Homes, or Affinity Place Homes, which each offer different levels of support. If none of our programs are the right match, we help connect families with other trusted providers to ensure they have guidance and support throughout their search. Our goal is to help families find a safe, supportive placement where their loved one’s needs will be met as fully and comfortably as possible.
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Transportation for admission is typically arranged by the guardian, family, or current provider, depending on the individual’s living situation. However, we understand that not every family or agency has access to medical transport, and we are happy to assist with coordination when needed. If the individual requires specialized transportation due to medical equipment or mobility needs, we can work with hospital discharge planners to arrange safe transfer. Our goal is to make the admission process as smooth as possible, and we will work with you to make sure transportation is handled with care and proper support.
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No, they don’t need to be actively enrolled to begin the admission process. However, they do need to be eligible for services, which means we’ll need documentation of a qualifying diagnosis. If they’re not currently enrolled, we can help get you connected.
Preparing for admission can feel like a lot, we understand. Whether you’re a guardian or a caseworker, this guide is here to help make the transition easier. On the right, you’ll find a list of what is needed on the day of admission, including required documents and personal items. During intake and throughout a residents time with us, our team assists with labeling clothing, medical equipment, bedding, and other personal items to ensure nothing gets misplaced.
What to Bring at Admission
Required Documents:
Birth Certificate (copy)
Social Security Card (copy)
Guardianship paperwork or custody documentation
Photo ID of guardian
Personal Belongings:
A set of clothing, including both summer and winter items (Brookside does not provide daily wardrobes, emergency clothing can be provided if necessary).
A backpack or wheelchair bag (helpful for day program or school attendance).
Any specialized medical or adaptive equipment.
Favorite item(s) from home (plush toy, pillow, sensory item).
Optional: personal decor (photos, posters, bedding) to help make the room feel more like home.
Families or guardians are responsible for providing a television for their loved one.
Need help?
If you’re unsure about anything, don’t worry. We will walk you through the process every step of the way. You’re not expected to have it all figured out, let us support you.
Schedule a Tour
Come see what makes Brookside so special. Fill out the form below to request a tour—we’d love to meet you and show you around.