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After making an initial visit of the care facility, go unannounced and revisit at different times of the day. Ask the facility/service providers for references. Talk to patients and their families.
Check out the facility’s license and complaint record by calling your State and Local Healthcare Agency or long-term care Ombudsman. What is an Ombudsman?.....Enter here FAQ.
Enter LINKS to find local authorities in your state where you can check facilities license and complaint record.
The following documents should be posted in each facility in plain view: Current license, Latest facility survey, Patient’s Bill of Rights, Evacuation Plan, Abuse Center Phone number or Poster, Ombudsman Phone number or Poster, Dietary Menu, Activities Calendar. |
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Staffing is of the utmost importance!. Ask about staff to resident ratio during the day and night. Are the caregivers certified and screened per city/state’s requirements?.
Observe caregivers attitude toward residents and visitors. Is the staff attentive, patient, enthusiastic?. Do you feel welcomed?. Are the residents properly dressed and well groomed?.
Also, very important, observe the willingness of the owner/administrator/manager to spend the time and give you all the details about their care facility and senior services provided( including all charges). |
- CLEANLINESS & HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Is the facility fresh and clean?. Odors in a concentrated area could be due to a recent accident while odors throughout the facility may indicate a permanent problem.
Ask how often the rooms are cleaned and bedding changed. Also if personal laundry is provided on the premises, how often and if there are additional charges. |
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Depending on the type of elderly care facility, a basic fee may cover only room and board. Ask for details on what is included in the monthly fee and in what circumstances they may increase your rent. There are no regulations on how often a facility may increase their fees. You need to know in advance the cost for additional care and services as bathing, transfers, transportation, nail and hair care, incontinence supplies, toiletries, etc. Also you need to know the additional cost and/or what it will happen if your loved one’s level of care increases.
Most facilities have a bed hold policy in the event that the resident is out of the facility for a certain period of time( hospitalization, rehabilitation, etc). Also they may require a deposit. Ask if the deposit is refundable and in which conditions it may become nonrefundable. |
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Inquire if the room/apartment comes furnished or not. In the event that you will like to bring your own furniture and personal room decorations make sure that there are no limitations especially if you are sharing a room with another resident. |
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Some senior care facilities may have licensed nursing staff and some may use the 3rd party providers which are represented by home health companies and their services are usually covered by your health insurance. Find out about nursing services, physical and occupational therapy services, hairdresser and nail technician, religious services.
Most facilities have a primary care physician who comes at least once a month to check the residents. Make sure that your health insurance is accepted by the house physician in the event that you are not willing anymore to continue with your family doctor. Ask about any specialists that may come to the facility( eye doctor, podiatrist, psychiatrist, etc).
Transportation is a very important issue. Depends on the size of the facility some may not have their own transportation services. Ask what happens if your loved one needs any type of transportation. |
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If you want your loved one to “age in place”, make sure that the facility is able to handle any level of care including severe dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Also inquire about Hospice Care which your loved one may need at some point. Many elder care facilities do continue to keep and care for the patients under Hospice Services. | |
