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South Peninsula Hospital (Homepage Link).

Long Term Care

South Peninsula Hospital, 4300 Bartlett Street, Entrance C  •  (907) 235-0233

South Peninsula Hospital’s Long Term Care (LTC) is a 28-bed, hospital-based nursing home where adults who need 24/7 nursing support can live safely, comfortably, and with dignity. Most residents make LTC their long-term home, often staying through the end of life, surrounded by caregivers who know them well.

LTC holds dual licensure as both an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) and a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Because SPH is a critical access hospital, residents who need short-term, higher-intensity skilled nursing care are typically supported in the Acute Care Unit, while LTC focuses on long-term ICF-level services.

What truly sets SPH Long Term Care apart is the deep sense of connection and stability. Many staff members have been here for years—some for decades—creating a warm, familiar environment where residents are cared for by people who know their stories, preferences, and routines. This continuity builds trust, comfort, and a genuine feeling of home.

Care is person-centered and relationship-based, honoring each resident’s dignity, independence, and daily rhythms. Our interdisciplinary team, including nursing, providers, social work, therapy, activities, and support staff, works together to support every aspect of a resident’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Highlights

Quality and Awards

SPH Long Term Care maintains strong quality ratings and has been recognized repeatedly for excellence in resident care, safety, and staff performance. Recent honors include:

  • National Quality Award – Silver, Commitment to Quality (2025) from AHCA/NCAL CNA
  • Alaska Nursing Home Quality Achievement Awards (2018 and 2024) from Mountain Pacific Quality Health
  • Patient Safety – LTC Frontline Fighters Award (2020) from the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association
  • Achievement in Quality Award (2023) from Mountain Pacific Quality Health
  • Front-line Staff Outstanding Performance Award (2023) from the Alaska Healthcare and Hospital Association
  • National Quality Award – Bronze, Commitment to Quality (2024) from the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living

These recognitions reflect LTC’s ongoing commitment to safe, high-quality, resident-centered care.

Eligibility

SPH Long Term Care primarily serves adults, most often age 65 and older, from Homer and the southern Kenai Peninsula who:

  • Need 24/7 nursing care and assistance with multiple activities of daily living
  • Require an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) level of care rather than short-term, intensive skilled nursing care
  • Are expected to reside in LTC long-term, often through end of life

Typical needs include help with bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, toileting, medication management, and ongoing supervision for medical or cognitive reasons. Many residents live with chronic conditions, physical disabilities, or cognitive changes such as dementia that make it unsafe or impractical to remain at home or in assisted living.

Residents must meet state ICF level-of-care criteria and financial eligibility requirements for their payer source (Medicaid, VA, or private pay). Individuals whose needs are more appropriate for short-term SNF care are usually served through SPH’s Acute Care rather than LTC.

Application Process

The path to admission usually begins with a conversation between the potential resident (or their representative) and their primary care provider.

Clinical referral
The primary provider sends clinical documents, such as a recent history and physical, diagnoses, medication list, and relevant progress notes, to the LTC social worker.

Interdisciplinary clinical review
The LTC interdisciplinary team reviews the information to determine whether the applicant meets ICF level-of-care criteria and can be safely served in LTC.

Financial review
If clinically appropriate, the SPH finance team contacts the applicant or legal representative to review payer options (Medicaid, VA, or private pay) and begin any necessary applications.

State authorization
The primary provider completes a Long Term Care Authorization form, which is submitted to the Alaska Department of Health for review. A Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) form may also be required.

Waitlist and bed availability
Because most residents live in LTC long-term, beds generally become available only when a resident passes away. Wait times are difficult to predict, but staff will keep families informed of status and next steps.

Admission and move-in
Once clinical, financial, and state approvals are complete and a bed is available, admission is scheduled. On move-in day, staff greet the resident, help them settle into their room, complete assessments, and introduce them to the care team.

Throughout the process, the LTC social worker supports residents and families, helping them navigate paperwork, eligibility questions, and the emotional aspects of transitioning to long-term

Visiting Long Term Care

We welcome visitors and encourage family and friends to remain actively involved in residents’ lives.

Visiting hours

Visitors may come anytime, 24/7. They are asked to check in at the nurses’ station before entering a resident’s room.

Resident choice

Residents decide who may visit them and may change their preferences at any time. Children are welcome with adult supervision.

Equal rights

All visitors have the same rights regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Visitors may include family, partners, friends, or other support persons designated by the resident.

Pet visits

Live-in resident pets are not allowed, but family or friends may bring approved pets to visit. Visiting pets must be well behaved, healthy, and under control at all times. Contact the activities department for more information.

Illness prevention

For everyone’s safety, visitors are asked not to come if they are ill. Handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rub is encouraged upon entering and during the visit.

Limitations

In rare cases, visitation may be limited. Instances include infection control, disruptive behavior, a roommate’s need for rest or privacy, certain medical procedures, or court-ordered restrictions.

Concerns about visitation may be directed to the hospital’s grievance system at (907) 235-0874 or quality@sphosp.org.

CNA Training Program

Long Term Care offers an in-house Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program designed to grow our local healthcare workforce. Cohorts are typically offered twice per year.

This paid, five-week program is open to applicants age 18 and older with a high school diploma or GED, and no prior healthcare experience is required. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, and graduates are eligible to take the state CNA exam.

CNA trainees are paid while they learn and, after graduation, commit to working at SPH for a designated period. Positions may be available in Long Term Care, Acute Care, Home Health, and other departments.

More details are available on the CNA Training Program page.

Providers

Contact Long Term Care

(907) 235-0233

What to Expect as a Patient

Life at Long Term Care

Daily life at SPH Long Term Care is designed to feel as much like home as possible while providing the support residents need.

Residents live in shared rooms and are encouraged to personalize their space with artwork, photos, plants, and keepsakes. A bright dayroom with large windows overlooks Kachemak Bay, and a spacious deck and greenhouse offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and garden during warmer months.

Dining

Meals are prepared in the SPH kitchen and brought to LTC, where they are served buffet-style. Two full-time dietitians assess each resident’s dietary needs and preferences and help design menus that are both nutritious and enjoyable.

Flexible mealtimes allow residents to eat according to their own routines, rather than a rigid schedule. This person-centered approach accommodates early risers, late sleepers, and those who need extra time due to mobility or health needs, promoting comfort, dignity, and autonomy.

Activities and Social Life

An activities team is on-site seven days a week, offering both group and individualized activities, such as:

  • Reading the news, games, crafts, music, and movie afternoons
  • Chair exercise, walking groups, and gentle stretching
  • Outings in a wheelchair-accessible van to local restaurants, community events, scenic drives, and seasonal activities like beach barbecues or holiday performances
  • Gardening in the greenhouse or on the deck
  • Spiritual care through visiting church groups and Bible study
  • Special events such as holiday celebrations, ice cream socials, and monthly candlelight dinners

Residents also have access to amenities such as salon haircuts, personal massage, Wi-Fi, and smart TVs in rooms. Approved visiting pets periodically come to the unit to provide comfort and companionship.

Resident Care and Safety

SPH Long Term Care provides round-the-clock, person-centered nursing care for residents who need ongoing support with health management and daily living. Our approach combines clinical expertise with the warmth and consistency of a small, close-knit community. Key elements of care include:

  • Dedicated medical leadership, including an LTC medical director and a full-time nurse practitioner who know each resident personally
  • 24/7 licensed nursing coverage and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who support bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting, and other daily needs
  • Medication management, chronic-condition monitoring, and coordination with outside specialists
  • A restorative aide program, available six days a week, offering range-of-motion exercises, walking support, stretching, and other mobility-focused activities
  • Access to physical therapy and speech-language therapy as ordered
  • Specialized equipment, including full-room ceiling lifts, pressure-reducing mattresses, and supportive wheelchairs for residents who need additional positioning or trunk support

Every room is connected to a centralized nurse-call system, and caregivers carry mobile devices that alert them to call lights and urgent needs—ensuring a quick, attentive response at all hours.

As part of South Peninsula Hospital, LTC is fully integrated into hospital-wide emergency preparedness and disaster-response planning. Staff receive regular training and participate in safety drills so residents remain protected and supported during any emergency.

Staffing levels adjust based on the current number of residents. At full capacity, our typical ratios include three nurses, five CNAs, a bath aide, a restorative aide, and activities staff during the day, and two nurses and three CNAs overnight. These ratios help ensure residents receive both the attentive care and the meaningful time they deserve.

Above all, our team shares a strong commitment to resident rights, safety, and dignity, and takes pride in caring for elders in the community.

FAQ

Who typically lives at SPH Long Term Care?

Most residents are adults over 65 from Homer and the surrounding peninsula who need 24/7 nursing care, meet ICF level-of-care criteria, and are expected to live in LTC long-term.

Do I need a referral to start the process?

Yes. Your primary care provider should send clinical documents to the LTC social worker to begin the clinical review. From there, LTC and finance staff will guide you through next steps.

How long is the waitlist?

Wait times vary and are difficult to predict because most residents live here long-term. Beds typically open only when a resident passes away. Staff will keep you updated on your status.

What is the difference between ICF and SNF at SPH?

LTC provides ICF-level care, which includes 24/7 nursing, help with daily activities, and ongoing supervision for chronic needs. Short-term, more intensive skilled nursing care is usually provided through SPH’s Swing Bed program in Acute Care.

What kinds of activities and outings are available?

Residents can participate in games, crafts, music, exercise groups, gardening, worship or Bible study, special events, and outings in a wheelchair-accessible van to community events, scenic drives, or local restaurants.

When can I visit, and can children or pets come?

LTC is open to visitors 24/7. Children are welcome with adult supervision. Approved visiting pets may come with family or friends after coordination with the activities department.

What health care is available on site?

Residents receive 24/7 nursing care, regular provider visits from the medical director and nurse practitioner, access to therapy services when ordered, and coordination with hospital specialists and community providers as needed.

What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

At full capacity (28 residents), LTC typically staffs three nurses and five CNAs during the day (plus bath aide, restorative aide, and activities staff) and two nurses and three CNAs at night, with additional support staff on site.

Which payor sources do you accept?

LTC accepts Medicaid, VA benefits for eligible veterans, and private pay. Staff can help you explore which option best fits your situation.

What support is available for families of residents?

Choosing long-term care is a major decision for families. LTC’s in-house social worker helps families understand care options and levels of care, complete applications for Medicaid, VA benefits, or other payors, coordinate with providers and community resources, and guide conversations about goals of care, especially as health needs change.

How does LTC handle end-of-life decisions?

LTC’s in-house social worker helps families plan for end-of-life preferences, including advance directives and decision-makers. Families are supported through serious illness, hospice transitions, and bereavement, with staff working to honor each resident’s values and wishes.

How can I learn more or schedule a tour?

To speak with someone about admissions, eligibility, or to arrange a tour, call (907) 235-0233 and ask for the LTC social worker or director of nursing.

Call (907) 235-0233

Insurance

Accepted Payors

SPH Long Term Care accepts:

  •  Medicaid – Applicants must meet both medical and financial eligibility criteria as determined by the State of Alaska.
  •  VA benefits – LTC is proud to be one of the few facilities in Alaska that also accepts VA benefits for long-term care. Eligible veterans (generally 70 percent service-connected or higher) may have LTC covered through the VA; staff can help explore this option.
  •  Private pay – For individuals or families paying out of pocket.

Our finance team and social worker can help residents and families understand options and complete necessary applications.