Checklist for Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

A Checklist For Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

Let’s suppose you have properly done all of your long-term care financing and planning. You have either purchased long-term care insurance or have a bundle of money readily accessible to pay for your long-term care needs. There won’t be the stress and strain of trying to liquidate property or stocks at a time where you may incur losses or pay a hefty tax bill.
With that said, it is now time to look for a long-term care facility. In order to help make an educated decision of which facility is best, here is checklist of questions you should ask yourself when visiting the facilities. The checklist is broken down into different areas of importance regarding the facility and its amenities.

Costs and Payment Sources

Is the facility Medicare certified?

Is the facility Medicaid certified?

If Medicaid is going to be a possible source of payment, do you understand how to qualify and apply for Medicaid benefits?

If you don't understand, did you ask the Administrator?

Does the facility accept private insurance?

Are you aware of what is included in cost of care, room and board?

Is there a list of separate charges?

Building and Grounds

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Are there grab bars in toilet and bathing facilities?

Are there handrails on both sides of the hallway?

Is the hallway wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass at the same time?

Is there a fire safety system and automatic emergency lighting?

Are there portable fire extinguishers?

Are exit doors unobstructed and unlocked from inside and easily accessible?

Are emergency evacuation plans posted in prominent locations?

Is there a fire station available to service this facility?

Is the facility as clean as you set your personal standards?

Is the facility reasonably free of unpleasant odors?

Is the facility well lighted?

Is the facility convenient for frequent visits from family and friends?

Is the building licensed for the level of care being given?

Is there a wanderer monitoring system?

Staff's Attitude and Staff Size

Is there quality resident and staff activity in the facility?

Is staff courteous to residents and visitors?

Does the staff respond quickly to calls for assistance from residents?

Are residents well groomed? Do they appear to be happy?

Does the staff knock before entering a room?

Is there a Registered Nurse on duty during the day and a Licensed Practical nurse on duty 24 hours a day?

Does the staff know residents by name?

Does the Administrator have a current license?

Does it seem that the CNAs are familiar with the needs of the residents they care for?

Tell - Tale Signs

Do residents look to be functioning independently (or with some staff assistance as needed)?

Does the facility have a posted written description of resident rights and responsibilities?

Does the facility have a resident council? (Review Council Minutes)

Are Hotline and area nursing home ombudsman telephone numbers posted?

Does the social worker appear to be a resident/family advocate?

Activities and Events

Are residents involved in activities sponsored by the facility?

Are volunteers involved in facility activities?

Is there a private place for residents to meet with family and friends?

Are there wide ranges of activities that interest residents?

Can residents choose to participate or not participate in facility activities?

Resident Rooms

Are resident bedrooms clean and pleasant?

Can residents bring personal items from home (i.e. - a rocking chair, pictures, comforter, etc.)

Is there a policy for changing rooms?

Will the bed be held if a short hospital stay is needed or required?

Is there a charge for holding the bed?

Can the resident wear his/her own clothes?

Does the facility provide laundry services?

Can the family choose to do its family member's laundry?

If the facility provides laundry services, are the resident's clothes marked so clothes are not lost or misplaced?

Are rooms well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature?

Are toilet and bathing facilities accessible?

Meals and Nutrition

Does it taste good?

Does the food look and smell appetizing?

Is assistance provided in eating, if needed?

Do meals served match the menu planned for the day?

Are there meal substitutes offered to meet the residents’ preferences?

Are residents interacting with one another at the dinner table?

Is a choice of snacks available?

Inspection Reports

Is the facility licensed by the Department of Public Health?

Did you notice any pattern in the Department of Public Health inspection report to suggest concern in caregiving?

Does the State report show any patterns regarding concerns in staffing?

Does the State report show any patterns regarding concerns in ground maintenance?

Health and Happiness Check

Are residents and families involved in developing their own care plans?

Does the facility provide services for terminally ill?

Are residents able to use their own physician?

Is there a resident assessment or care plan designed to meet residents’ needs?

Are regularly scheduled care plan meetings being held that actively involve the resident (if able) and family member or guardian?

Long-Term Care Financing and Planning is What we Do!