Helpful Hints:
The Family's Guide to Senior Residences
 Finding that special place
for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here
are some useful tips on what to look for when you begin your search for a
senior residence. Keep in mind that it is not the décor that counts, but the
quality of care your loved one will receive.
Be a Sleuth
After making an initial
appointment, make unannounced visits thereafter! Drop in at various times of
the day, including the evening. Talk to residents and their families. Observe
how caregivers treat the residents. Do they know the resident’s names? Are
the resident’s properly dressed and well groomed. Look for smiles! Ask to see
the menu for the week. Eat a meal. Do a background check. Call your
state or local healthcare agency or
long-term care ombudsman.
Be Vigilant
The quality of the staff is
extremely important. How much training and prior experience will the primary
caregivers for my loved one have? What is the staff to resident ratio, during
the day and at night? Are there criminal background checks conducted? If
there is an emergency, what is the staff (especially the nighttime shift)
trained to do?
Clean and Tidy
Is
the facility fresh and clean? Look past the obvious. Odors may indicate lack
of cleanliness or a temporary problem that was caused by a recent accident.
If you find odors in a concentrated area this may indicate a single accident.
Odors throughout the community are likely to indicate a problem. Ask about
housekeeping services. See if you can check closets for freshness – clean
clothes. How often are the rooms cleaned, bedding changed? Can personal
laundry be done on premise? Is there a charge?
Busy, Busy, Busy Residents
Ask about the activities. Are they well attended? Is there a good variety
offered? Does the staff seem to enjoy the activities as well? Are there
outside activities offered to those residents who have limitations due to
their physical or mental challenges? Inquire about religious services, if
this is important.
Is Everybody Happy?
Staff attitude is of the utmost
importance. How do you see the staff interacting with the residents? Do they
seem to listen? Are they attentive, patient, and enthusiastic? Do they
communicate well with the residents? Does management truly understand that
your loved one might need encouragement? What is the average tenure of the
staff, including management? Are pets allowed? Does the facility have their
own pets? Is there a social area to visit with the senior when you visit?
Food Glorious Food
As we age we have so few
pleasures in life we can truly enjoy. Food is one of those pleasures. When
visiting a senior residence go during dining hours to sample the food. Take a
look inside the refrigerator at the small board and cares. Be sure you see
they do serve fresh fruits and vegetables. Discuss what considerations are
made for those with certain dietary or religious restrictions or for those who need some assistance managing the food provided. Make sure
there is variety.
Decorating Ideas
Bringing your personal
possessions to a new home is important in helping your loved one make an
easier transition. Ask if you can take your own furnishings or are there
limitations? Of course if someone is sharing a room this must be taken into
consideration.
Home Sweet Home
Safe neighborhoods, security systems, staff to patient/resident ratio are all
important things to consider when choosing a senior facility. Are there grab
bars in convenient locations? Is the facility maintained and updated? How does the resident alert a staff member if
there is an emergency? Is the owner or administrator licensed? How
many years experience do they have in the health care industry? What is their prior experience? How are
medications managed?
Is It Posted?
Are the following documents posted in clear view at the facility? Current license, Latest Survey, Personal tights, Evacuation Plan, Admissions Agreement.
Be Aware of Escalating Fees
The basic fee at many facilities
covers only room and board; extra care, such as bathing, dispensing of
medications and transfering in and out of bed, may cost extra. Be aware, in advance, of
how rates may rise as residents care needs increase. Did you know that 60 days notice is to be given for a rate increase? Although if there is a change in condition, it can result in an immediate rate increase for additional services.
Think About the Future
If you want your loved one to
"age in place", make sure the facility has experience handling residents with
severe ailments. Does the facility have state approval to accept a resident with a Demensha or
Alzheimer’s diaposis? Does the facility have a Hospice wavier in place fo serve a residence seeking end of life care?
Doctor, Doctor, Do I Need a Doctor?
Does your loved one need to see
their doctor for regular check-ups? What about dental care? If they are on
dialysis does the facility offer transportation? If their physician is
located out of the general area, does the facility choose another doctor for
you or do they take you to see yours?
Have to Go Now . . . Get it in Writing
You should sign a comprehensive
admissions agreement that spells out exactly what care is and is not included
and under what conditions. As we age, there are no rules regarding how long
we can stay at a senior residence. Be sure that when physical changes occur
or mental capacity has diminished that the facility can either care for your
loved one or give enough notice in which to find another home. Be familiar
with the agreement regarding the notice the facility is required to give and
the responsibility you have to the facility. In most cases a 30-day notice is
required. Additionally, in order to avoid any misunderstandings, ask for the facility refund policy in writing.
Most of all, follow your heart. Get references, contact
the
CA Department of Social Services
– CA Licensing Division in your local area regarding
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.
Contact the
CA
Department of Public Health for references
for
Skilled Nursing Facilities.
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