Services and Amenities

Beauty and Barber Services
The Beauty and Barber services are available to all Virginia Convalescent Center residents.  If you have a Resident Trust Account in the business office, charges can be billed directly to your account.  You may also pay cash at the time of service.  If you do not have sufficient funds in your trust account, services will not be provided.

The Beauty/Barber Shop is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. by appointment.  "Walk-ins" as time permits.  For an appointment call ext. 2455.  Families may call the Beauty Shop at (218) 749-9455.

Call Lights
A call light is accessible in every resident room and bathroom.  The call ight signals staff that assistance is needed.  Please notify your Nurse Supervisor if you have difficulty having your call light answered.

Dental, Vision, Hearing, and Foot Care
Doctors specializing in dental, vision, hearing, and foot care do not visit the Virginia Convalescent Center.  The cost of these services is not included in your room rates but may be covered by Medicare, private insurances, or Medical Assistance.  Responsible representatives are expected to accompany residents to appointments.  (See section on transportation).

Diagnostic Services
Selected laboratory and x-ray procedures are available at the Virginia Regional Medical Center.  When a doctor orders such procedures the nurse or medical records staff make arrangements to conduct the tests or x-ray.  More specialized laboratory or x-ray procedures (such as CAT scans) are done on an outpatient basis by physicians order.  The resident is responsible for payment of these services.

Emergency Procedures
Your safety at the Virginia Convalescent Center is of primary concern to us.  We test our fire alarms regularly.  Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis.

All resident and visitors are the be "behind closed doors" during a fire drill, just as if it were a real fire alarm.  We have smoke barrier doors that shut automatically when the fire alarm sound.  Your cooperation during the drills is appreciated.

Staff is committed to providing safe environment during times or severe weather.  All staff is trained to take appropriate and timely action.  Staff assists residents and visitors with safety precautions during severe weather and tornados.  Hallways are used as safe areas on resident floors.

Environmental Services
Our housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance staff works to provide an environment for you and your visitors that are not only clean, but also safe and comfortable.

Floors and rooms are cleaned daily.

The building and its various mechanical systems are maintained in good repair.

Laundry service of residents' personal clothing is provided at no additional cost and is washed separately from regular linen.  Our laundry service for personal clothing is considered a commercial laundry and is hard on delicate fabrics.  We encourage you to have your family wash delicate clothing at home.


Mail Services
Your mailliing address is:

Your name, Room Number
Virginia Convalescent Center
901 9th Street North
Virginia, MN 55792

Please include your name and room number in your address.  Mail is distributed to your room unless other arrangements have been made.  If you would prefer to have your mail forwarded to a friend or family member, please contact the Business Office with the name and address of the person to whom mail is to be forwarded.

Meal Services
Our Dietary Services Department prepares and serves meals, both regular and those modified by physician's orders.  Our registered dietitian plans a rotating menu each season.  In addition, our dietitian/clinical technician will talk with you about individual food preferences and dislikes.  We encourage all residents to eat their meals in the dining room at the scheduled meal time.  Meals are also available at a nominal cost for family or friends who wish to dine with you.  If you choose to dine in the cafeteria, your meal tray may be saved for you in the cafeteria or you may select a meal from the food items available in the cafeteria.  Our Cafeteria Service, located in the basement level of VRMC is available to residents and visitors at scheduled mealtimes from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.ml, weekends and holidays.  If you have any questions please contact the Dietary Manager at 218-749-9486.

Newspapers
The Mesabi Daily News or other papers may be delivered to you in your room each day.  Contact the paper of your choice to arrange service.  The paper charges the cost to you.

3rd and 4th floor received the daily and Sunday issues of the Mesabi Daily News and Duluth News Tribune.

Paticipation in Your Community

  • Activities:  Activities outside the facility are offered.
  • Community Participation:  We encourage your continued participation in community groups/events.  Please notify the nurses on your floor when leaving and upon return.
  • Family Council:  The Virginia Convalescent Center Family Council is made up of families and friends of the residents.  You'll be surprised to learn how much your family member has in common with these folks!
    The purpose of Family Council is to
  1. Offers ongoing support with strength drawn from shared experiences.
  2. Provides and opportunity to express concerns and explore solutions as a group.
  3. Builds communication with staff and creates a team environment.

The Family Council meetings are held based on family interest.  There is an annual kick-off meeting scheduled and meeting dates are decided by members

  • Resident Council:  The Resident Council enables you to voice suggestions and actively participate in discussing ideal relevant to your life at the Virginia Convalescent Center.  All residents are members of the Council, which meets on the last Monday of each month.  The Council serves as a liaison and information group for the administration and residents.  Dates of meeting can be found on the activity program calendar on your floor.

Personal Shopping Needs
Family members are encouraged to shop for your personal needs.  The Virginia Convalescent Center will contact your Responsible Party if there are items you need or request.

Pharmacy Services
Pharmacy services are available through VRMC Pharmacy or through a pharmacy of your choice.  Pharmaceutical services provided by other pharmacies must provide your medication by "unit dose" and the pharmacy must be licensed by the State of Minnesota.

Physician Services
You may be seen by your physician either in the physician's office or at VCC.  There are regulatory guidelines on how frequent residents are required to be seen by their doctor once they have entered a long-term care facility.  The frequency of doctor's visits is regulated by state and federal law.

Psychological Services
Psychological services are available through providers in the area.

Rehabilitation Therapies
We work with you to achieve your greatest potential.  Our Physical and Occupational Therapists provide therapy under Medicare guidelines and as authorized by your physician.  Therapy services are arranged through a local provider.

A registered Speech/Language Pathologist is available to help with speech or swallowing difficulties.

Direct services by any registered therapist are not covered in the daily room rate. These therapies are provided only upon written order of the resident's physician and under the guidelines of Medicare and Insurance Companies.  Neither Medicare not Insurance Companies will pay for "maintenance" therapy.

Spiritual Care
Our Chaplain provides spiritual guidance and comfort for you and your family.  Our Chaplain or local Ministerial Association may provide worship services, bible studies, and personal counseling.  At your request, we will contact your religious or spiritual leader.

Telephones
Telephones are available on each resident unit for personal use.  You may order a private telephone for your room by contact Qwest at 1-800-244-1111.  The installation services are charged to you and the monthly telephone charges are billed to you by the telephone company.

Transportation Services
Transportation may be arranged for residents going to medical appointments via a vendor of the resident's/insurer's choice.  This cost is the responsibility of the resident and not the Convalescent Center.  Our social workers/medical records department may assist with arrangements for transportation services.  Resident representatives or families are expected to arrange for escort and transportation to and from appointments and to notify the nurse supervisors at least 24 hours or more in advance of the appointment.  Advanced notice is needed so that our staff can make sure the resident is properly prepared and dressed appropriately for appointments.

Television
Televisions are available for residents to view in the facility lounges on 3rd and 4th floor and also in the dining areas.

You may furnish your own television for your room, you must also bring a sturdy stand, (Placement of television in the resident's rooms cannot interfere with resident safety and/or provision of care.)  You are responsible for installation fees and monthly charges.  Contact the VCC Business Office for installation and charge information.

Trust Accounts
A Trust Account service is available for your convenience without charge.  You and your designated financial representative will need to deposit money and complete a Trust Account Form at the VCC Business Office, indicating persons authorized to withdraw funds and for which services funds can be deducted.  Examples are beauty shop appointments and community outings.

We encourage as may cash-free transactions as possible.

Trust accounts are maintained by the VCC Business Office.

  • Hours for transactions:  Monday - Friday is 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Money for weekends and holidays must be arranged in advance with the VCC Business Office.
  • Larger withdrawls must be requested at least 2 days in advance.
  • Check requests can be made for payment of bills from trust accounts with written consent of the resident or responsible representative.

If you have any questions, please call the VCC Business Office at (218) 741-9421.

Reminder:  We do not recommend keeping money in your rooms.  If you choose to keep monies in your room you do voluntarily.  The facility does not assume responsibility for lost monies or valuables.  However, we will assist with trying to locate lost or missing items.

Visiting Hours
There are no set visiting hours.

The Virginia Regional Medical Center front door is locked at 8:00 p.m. each night.  Visitors who arrive after 8:00 p.m. may still enter the building by the Virginia Regional Medical Center emergency room entrance.

Visitors are encouraged not to come to the facility when they are ill especially during the "flu season".

If you have any questions about building accessibility, please contact our Virginia Regional Medical Center Patient Services desk.

Volunteers
Those who give their time and their skills on a volunteer basis are an integral part of our facility.  They provide services and companionship for residents to enhance their quality of life.  Opportunities are available by calling our Volunteer Department at the Virginia Regional Medical Center.  Telephone number (218) 741-3340 ext. 2420.





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