top of page

Resident Acceptance Criteria

In order to ensure we are able to continue our mission and to act as good stewards of our donors' money, we have set forth the following criteria when accepting referrals for potential residents.

​

Please note: Mercy House only accepts referrals through Hospice agencies. The general public may not refer a resident to Mercy House.

Nurse Form

​Considerations for admission are: 

  • Proposed resident has a short term life expectancy of less than 4 weeks.  

  • Proposed resident is homeless or in a physically unsafe environment and at risk of dying alone. 

  • Proposed resident lives in the Tri-County area (Chester, Lancaster, or York County).

  • Mercy House retains the option for a face-to-face visit with potential residents.

  • When there is available space, a decision regarding order of admission will be based on proposed resident’s current living status and physical acuity.  Mercy House reserves the right to deny admission to patients with active, infectious, or contagious disease that may place other residents or staff at risk.  

  • Proposed resident’s care needs can be met in a non-medical setting and will not exceed staff’s capability.  Mercy House is not able to provide care for any resident requiring IV medications, or with open wounds.

  • Ambulatory dementia is not the primary, secondary, or tertiary diagnosis at the time of admission.

  • Proposed resident is enrolled in a local hospice program prior to coming to Mercy House.

  • Proposed resident does not weigh over 170 lbs. at the time of admission.

  • Proposed resident is not a flight risk.

  • Proposed resident’s behavior does not present a danger to self or others and will not be disruptive to others at Mercy House.

  • The hospice provider serving the proposed resident will submit a referral to Mercy House via email.  Hospice and Mercy House will agree upon the plan of care for the resident while at Mercy House.  If the resident is discharged from Mercy House, the hospice provider will provide a plan for discharge and/or continuing care.  The plan of care will be with involvement and consent of the resident/designated patient representative.

  • The resident desires comfort-focused support in a home like environment.

  • Veterans are a priority group for Mercy House.

If you are a referring representative from a Hospice agency and you have a patient who meets the above criteria, you may submit an application for consideration. Email the form to mercyhouserh@gmail.com. 
bottom of page