October 2008 | Web Exclusive


Evaluate your eldercare: a checklist

Remember: It’s not the facility decor, but the quality of care offered that is important.

The following are considerations¹:

*  Cleanliness…Be sure to look into room corners, baseboards, ceilings and windows. Ask how often cleaning services are provided. What services does maintenance provide?  What is their response time?

*  Odors…Note that smells are not always an indicator of a persistent problem; they may indicate a temporary problem caused by a recent incident. A concentrated odor in a single area may indicate a single incident. Odors throughout the community may indicate a problem. Ask the manager what they believe they problem may be.

*  Activities…Ask to watch activities. Are they well-attended? Do those involved, including the staff, appear to be enjoying the activity? Do activities match your loved one’s interests? Look for small and large group activities, trips or outings. Be sure to ask about religious services, if important.

*  Staff…Staff attitude and friendliness are key. Observe staff members interacting with current residents. Do they listen and make eye contact? If you feel welcomed on your tour, chances are so will your loved one. Get a good idea of the staffing pattern. How many people will actually be involved in your loved one’s care? Be sure to meet the management team. Is the manager willing and available to meet you? Do you like his/her management style and experience?

*  Outdoor areas…Investigate the outdoor area for residents. Does it feel safe and secure? Find out whether the staff uses the same area for breaks. Do they host activities such as gardening for the residents in these areas?

*  Meals…Discuss entrée choices, dining hours and procedures. Bring your loved one in for a meal to sample the food and meet some of the residents. Find out whether food is delivered to the resident’s room when they cannot make it to the dining room for a meal.

*  Security…Are bathrooms accessible, with grab bars in convenient locations? How does a resident contact staff in the event of an emergency? What are the safety features available in the living quarters and throughout the community? What is the staffing pattern, and who is on-site to assist the resident? How many licensed nurses or staff members are available? Compare the staffing patterns of the day and the night shifts. How are medications managed?

*  Personal care…Are residents clean-shaven and dressed appropriately, with well-groomed hair and nails? What are bathing options, and how do they meet your loved one’s preferences?

*  Move-out criteria…Ask for specifics. Under what circumstances is a resident asked to move? What type of notice is required by the home or by you (many homes require a 30-day notice from either the resident or the home).

*  Gut feeling…Can your loved one live at this place and be comfortable? Did you feel at ease while touring? Was the staff friendly and inviting? The property doesn’t have to be the most beautiful place for your loved one to live comfortably…follow your instincts.

Beyond care quality, consider cost.

*  Look at finances…Nursing homes today average about $330 per month.² Does the parent have long-term care insurance? Oftentimes, people who purchase this insurance at a payable rate discover that it only covers a small portion of costs by the time they are ready for a nursing home. Medicare will pay for only 90 days annually in the home, and this is only after an acute illness or surgery. One needs to qualify financially for Medicaid. It is best to check these criteria with the Department of Human Services.

For the full article, "Caring for mom and dad", click here.

Sources:
1. Adapted from Tips for when you tour nursing homes and assisted living; A Place for Mom Inc.

2. Edwards C. Making Your Loved One’s Transition to a Nursing Home Smooth.