With so many reports of abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities, family members are often hesitant to place their loved ones in facilities where they can get the care they need. When a private room in a nursing home costs nearly $10,000 a month on average, families shouldn’t have to worry about the quality of care their senior loved ones receive.
The good news is that there are a variety of options available, and there are effective ways to assess facilities to ensure they meet a high standard of safety, care, compassion, and comfort. So we’ve created this practical guide to help you choose a senior care facility confidently, complete with key concerns to watch out for and questions to ask during your search.
Step 1: Define your loved one’s needs and your budget
Before you start looking, you’ll need to determine the specific needs of your senior loved one. Are they relatively independent, or do they require specialized care, such as mobility assistance or memory care for dementia? If so, you can focus solely on facilities that provide those care services.
You’ll also have to consider your budget. It’s not something pleasant to think about — after all, if money were no object, the vast majority of us would place our family members in five-star facilities with all the bells and whistles.
But the unfortunate reality is that live-in care facilities cost a lot, and Medicare only provides coverage if skilled nursing care is deemed “medically necessary.” So determine what you can comfortably afford, taking into account any assistance or cost reductions your loved one qualifies for.
Step 2: Research and compile a shortlist
Start with a broad search online to build a list of nearby facilities that meet the qualifications you defined in the previous step. As you’re creating this list, consider the location of each facility and how easy it will be for family members to visit.
Loneliness and isolation are big concerns for seniors’ mental health and emotional well-being, so if possible, choose facilities that are easy for most of their loved ones to reach by car or public transportation.
Step 3: Check for accreditation and licensing
Next, you’ll want to make sure that each facility on your list is properly licensed and accredited. Check for certifications from reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). You can also verify each facility’s licensing through your state’s Department of Health website.
Step 4: Read reviews and testimonials
Online reviews and testimonials can give you a behind-the-scenes look at each facility. So check sources like Google reviews, Yelp, and Facebook, along with more specialized senior care review sites, such as SeniorAdvisor.
The facility may be willing to provide references from past and current clients as well. And don’t forget to talk to local family members, friends, and coworkers to see if any of them have had personal experience with the facility or have any recommendations.
Step 5: Visit the facilities
Nothing is as telling as a personal visit to the senior care facilities you’re considering. So schedule a tour and pay close attention to:
- Cleanliness and Safety: Is the facility clean and well-maintained? Are there safety measures in place, such as handrails and emergency systems?
- Staff Interaction: Observe how the staff interacts with the residents. Are they friendly and respectful? Do the residents seem happy and well cared for?
- Activities and Amenities: Look at the types of activities and amenities offered. Do they fit your loved one’s interests and abilities?
Step 6: Ask the right questions
During your visit, ask plenty of questions to gain more insight into the facility and how they care for residents, such as:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- What types of training does the staff receive?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- What is the process for assessing the needs of each resident?
- How do you handle [specific need that your loved one has]?
- How are meals prepared, and are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Tip: If staff seem annoyed by your questions or brush you off, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll treat your senior loved one the same way. So it’s probably a good idea to scratch that facility off your list.
Step 8: Understand the costs
Finally, you’ll need to get a clear understanding of all costs involved. Ask about the initial cost and any ongoing monthly fees. Make sure you know exactly what those fees cover, and ask whether there are any add-on services that might raise the final cost. You should also inquire about potential rate increases and how those may affect your costs in the future.
Consider whether at-home care is a viable alternative
While there are plenty of safe and reputable senior care facilities out there, at-home care is a more personal and typically more affordable alternative for many seniors with mild to moderate care needs. So before you commit to a pricey live-in facility, consider whether in-home care is a viable option for your loved one.
Right Hand Senior Care provides customized at-home care solutions that allow seniors to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Here are a few benefits of choosing Right Hand Senior Care:
- Personalized Care: We take the time to get to know your family and develop a personalized care plan that meets your loved one’s unique needs, taking into account their medical conditions, personal preferences, and daily routines.
- Comfort of Home: Your loved one can stay in familiar surroundings, eliminating the stress and anxiety that can come from a sudden move to a new environment, which can be especially beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Cost-Effective: We believe that every senior deserves high-quality, compassionate, and professional care, so we strive to keep our services as affordable as possible.
- Trustworthy Service: Our caregivers are highly trained, vetted, and dedicated to providing compassionate and reliable care, ensuring peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
Whether you choose a senior care facility or opt for at-home care, the most important factors are the safety, happiness, and health of your loved one. So take the time to thoroughly research and assess your options and make an informed decision that best supports their needs and wishes.
If you feel that at-home care might be the right choice for your loved one, contact us today to learn more about our services or set up a care plan.
