Choosing a Long Term Care Facility FAQ's

Q: What should I look for in an Assisted Living Residence?

A: The decision to live in an assisted living arrangement is an important one that may require family discussions and financial planning. Assisted living is paid for with private funds, so many people use the proceeds from the sale of a home to pay for their living arrangements. Others use savings, retirement or pension funds, while others receive financial assistance from family members. To select the right home for you, you will want to visit several places and evaluate such things as:

• Is it well-maintained inside and out?
• Does it offer attractive private rooms?
• Is it wheelchair/walker accessible?
• Are services such as transportation, shopping, laundry, linen, housekeeping available?
• Does it offer personal plans and assessments?
• Is the dining room attractive, offering nutritious meals served restaurant style?
• Is your family encouraged to visit?
• Is there a broad range of group and individual activities offered?
• Does the facility offer outings, community involvement, cultural activities?
• Does the facility have exercise classes, walking trails or other regular physical activity offerings?
• Does the facility offer worship services?
• Is the facility secure with staff on site 24 hours a day?
• Are there safety features in the bathrooms?
• Do the residents appear happy, well-adjusted and engaged?
• Is the staff responsive, compassionate, friendly?
• Is there a director?
• Are there licensed nurses, an activity coordinator and maintenance/ground personnel?
• Is it located conveniently for family and friends to visit, near shopping/entertainment, close to a hospital?

Be sure to print the Assisted Living Facility SELECTION CRITERIA checklist. Take it with you when visiting facilities to help you select the best facility for you or your loved one.

Q: What should I look for in a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A: Choosing a skilled nursing facility for yourself or a loved one is an important process requiring considerable planning. Before you visit facilities, make a complete list of care needs and a list of selection criteria important to you. The following questions will help you prepare for your search.

• Are the residents well groomed, dressed and out of bed?
• Are the rooms and hallways clean and are there any lingering odors?
• What is the noise level in the facility?
• Are services such as transportation, shopping, laundry, linen, housekeeping available?
• Is the facility certified for Medicare/Medicaid?
• What are the facility's credentials, references?
• Is the staff friendly and courteous, and do they demonstrate positive attitudes?
• Is the family encouraged to participate in care planning conferences?
• Does the facility offer outings, community involvement, cultural activities?
• Do they have convenient visiting hours?
• Does the activity program offer creative and satisfying choices for all types of interests or a routine and repetitive schedule?
• How many of their residents successfully complete their therapy program and return home?
• Does the facility offer special care services needed, such as care for Alzheimer's and dementia sufferers, or provide oxygen, IV or tube feedings?
• Do you have a feeling of comfort with the facility?
• Is it well-maintained inside and out?
• Does it offer attractive rooms?
• Is it wheelchair/walker accessible?
• Are services such as transportation, shopping, laundry, linen, housekeeping available?
• Do they offer nutritious meals and snacks? Is hot food served hot? Do the meals look appealing?
• Are physical, occupational and speech therapies available?
• Is the staff responsive, compassionate, friendly?
• Is there a director?
• Are there licensed nurses, an activity coordinator and maintenance/ground personnel?
• Is it located conveniently for family and friends to visit, near shopping/entertainment, close to a hospital?

Be sure to print the Skilled Nursing Facility SELECTION CRITERIA checklist. Take it with you when visiting facilities to help you select the best facility for you or your loved one.

Q: What should I look for in an Independent Living Facility?

A: Independent living should offer you all of the things you enjoy, with the peace of mind knowing things like maintenance and gardening will be taken care of for you. In addition, the residence should offer you convenience, activities, amenities and other "extras" so that you can fully enjoy your independence in a setting you enjoy. To select the right residence for you, you will want to visit several places and evaluate such things as:

• Is it well-maintained inside and out?
• Does it offer attractive and spacious suites and/or apartments?
• Does the facility and staff encourage an independent lifestyle?
• Is it wheelchair/walker accessible?
• Are services such as transportation, shopping, laundry, linen, housekeeping available?
• Is the dining room attractive, offering delicious food served restaurant style?
• Is there a broad range of group and individual activities offered?
• Does the facility offer outings, community involvement, cultural and social activities?
• Does the facility have exercise classes, walking trails, a health club, swimming pool, and/or other regular physical activity offerings?
• Does the facility offer onsite banking, beauty/barber salon, post office and general store?
• Is the facility secure with staff on site 24 hours a day?
• Are other residents happy with the facility, its staff and services/amenities?
• Is the staff responsive, compassionate, friendly?
• Is there a director?
• Is there an activity coordinator and maintenance/ground personnel?
• Is it located conveniently for family and friends to visit, near shopping/entertainment, close to a hospital?