After deciding that transitioning to a nursing home or elder care facility is the right choice for you, you need to take a little time to plan how you want to select the appropriate facility. While matching the right type of facility to your needs is paramount, you’ll also want to make sure that you get to know the facilities closely enough so that you can make an informed decision. Here are a couple of tips to help you do that.
Tip 1: Make a list of questions.
Start your process by sitting down and writing a list of everything you want to know about each of the facilities. The list can contain questions about care, costs, and activities, but it should also include questions you might want to ask residents, such as how they view the quality of food and how friendly or attentive the staff is.
Tip 2: Schedule visits.
With your questions ready, you can then schedule individual visits with each facility. Visit all of the facilities you’ve identified and, once you have completed your formal visit, you might want to take the time to show up unexpectedly once or twice for an unannounced visit. These are typically acceptable, but you should try to visit around mealtimes so it is more convenient for both staff and residents.
Tip 3: Get first-hand information.
Always talk to residents and staff, but don’t make the mistake of talking to residents only in the presence of staff. You should try to speak candidly with residents without staff looking over your shoulder so you can be sure you receive candid answers.
Michael Robinson, Estate Planning Attorney
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