As a caregiver or family member, if you’re thinking of putting your loved one in the care of a long-term care facility, it is a great idea to make a point to tour prospective facilities. Doing so is a vital step in ensuring your loved one gets the right care for his or her own specific needs. Many people may even recommend multiple visits to facilities when you’re making decisions. For the first visit, however, you’re going to want to make an appointment through the Admissions Director to tour the facility during the weekday. The best times to see what daily life is like at the facility is in the late morning or midday hours.
Be on lookout for any bad smells, residents who might be strapped into wheelchairs, and staff who seem to ignore residents in general. One of the best ways to help you get an idea of life in the facility is to speak with the residents directly, but trust your instincts too. If something doesn’t seem right, it likely is not.
While touring the facility, ask lots of questions, and verify any information you may have received over the phone. Also, don’t worry about taking too much time. This is time they have set aside specifically for you, so don’t be afraid to get answers to your questions.
Some recommended questions:
- Is the facility a non-profit or for-profit?
- What types of care do they offer?
- Is the facility certified by Medicaid and Medicare?
- What is the normal length of stay at the facility?
- What are the qualifications of the staff in the therapy department?
- What makes this particular facility different from the others you’ve visited (if this isn’t your first one)?
- Does the facility include family members when making care plans for the resident?
If you or someone you love needs assistance with Elder Care law issues, call 856-281-3131. Let us help ease your stress and give you a plan.