by Kathryn Cox
Deciding to move a loved one to a care facility can be overwhelming. Change may be particularly challenging for older adults or those with special needs. The goal is to find the best home possible to avoid future moves.
Seeking God’s guidance and asking the right questions are key to filtering through what could be a myriad of options. The preferred way to research a potential home is to schedule an in-person tour. Here is a list of things to consider and important questions to ask.
Type of care needed. Consider the level of help and medical equipment your loved one needs. Nursing homes offer higher levels of medical assistance than an assisted living community. A patient who is mobile with a dementia diagnosis will need a secure memory support facility. Regarding memory care, an essential question to ask is, Does the establishment have a skilled nursing section where a resident in decline can transition to if they require extra help? If not, a family may have to relocate their loved one to a different home for end-of-life care.
Cost. Medicaid, Medicare (with limited coverage for short-term stays), Veterans’ benefits, long-term care insurance (if purchased in advance), or private pay typically covers facility fees. Some states offer programs to help cover costs for qualifying individuals. Other alternatives to fund long-term care include reverse mortgages or life insurance conversions. When researching homes, determine the total cost and payment options. Is there a move-in fee or deposit? If self-pay, when is the payment due? Also, concerning self-pay, what is the protocol if a patient runs out of money during their stay?
Waiting list: Many rest homes have extensive waiting lists. Before your loved one requires long-term care, it’s a good idea to research facilities and proactively join a waiting list. You can always decline a room if one becomes available before you need it.
Caregiver-to-resident ratio. By law, facilities must have on staff a minimum total of aides/nurses in relation to the resident count. Be aware of how many caregivers will be on duty during the day and night shifts, as well as how many people they are responsible for. The ideal setup is to have the highest number of caregivers for the least number of residents. Staff turnover is also significant. Find out how long currently employed nurses and aids have been working at the establishment. A high staff turnover rate is a sign of poor working conditions and likely sub-standard care.
Reviews. Conduct an Internet search to find honest reviews of care facilities you are considering. Such sites as https://www.aplaceformom.com/ or https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/ are great places to start. Contact your local APS (Adult Protective Services) to research previous complaints of abuse or neglect. When touring a facility, pay close attention to the cleanliness and condition of the building, as well as the physical appearance of current residents.
Supplies and laundry service. Does staff handle washing all the residents’ clothes and bedding, or is this the responsibility of the patient’s advocate? What supplies are included (such as soap, shampoo/conditioner, or toilet paper), and what must be provided (like undergarments, toothpaste, or lotion)?
Visiting hours. Are family members allowed to check in on their loved one at any time of day or night? While regular visiting hours may be enforced for friends, close family should have access to the building whenever they need to.
Meals. How many meals and snacks are served a day? Is the food healthy and home-cooked? Will the facility accommodate various dietary needs?
Activities. Does the residential home employ an activities coordinator who organizes events throughout the day? Depending on the residents’ abilities, some homes may occasionally offer field trips. Are animals allowed to visit, such as a beloved pet? What about therapy dog sessions or music classes? Frequent, fun activities and special visitors are vital for your loved one’s mental well-being.