The following questions are points to consider when selecting a care facility. The questions are adapted from handouts provided by the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and the Office of Assisted Living Licensure. This list is not meant to be all inclusive, rather a place to start.
- Is the facility currently licensed by the Arizona DHS to provide the level of care needed?
- Will the facility give you a copy of its admissions contract and resident care policies to study?
- Is a statement of residents’ rights posted in clear view?
- If a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), are the most recent survey results in a public, easy-to-see location. Look for this during your visit – you have a right to this information.
- Is the atmosphere warm, pleasant, and cheerful?
- Are the rooms well lit, ventilated, kept at a comfortable temperature and odor free?
- Does each resident have a reading light, comfortable chair, closet and drawers for personal belongings?
- Are floors, windows, bathrooms, etc., clean?
- Are family and friends encouraged to visit?
- Are there indoor and/or outside places for private visits with family and friends?
- Are residents allowed to leave the facility with family and friends?
- What are the visiting hours?
- Do the residents looked well cared for and generally content?
- Are they dressed in street clothes?
- Are they allowed to decorate their own rooms?
- Are they allowed to keep a few of their own possessions?
- How does the facility select roommates?
- Are there provisions for privacy?
- Are toilet and bathing facilities easy for disabled residents to use?
- Is the facility built to accommodate wheelchairs?
- Are there grab bars and safety devices?
- Are hand-rails available to aid in walking?
- Is an emergency evacuation plan posted in a visible place?
- Does the facility have safety devices such as smoke detectors, sprinkler system, etc.?
- How often are fire drills and disaster drills practiced?
- Are the halls clear for an evacuation?
- What is the policy for calling a resident’s doctor when a problem arises?
- What provisions are made for medical emergencies?
- For dental care?
- For filling prescriptions?
- For routine medical appointments?
- Is the dining room comfortable and attractive?
- Are the residents encouraged to eat in the dining room?
- What is the meal schedule? Are meals offered at set times only?
- What kinds of foods are included in the menu?
- Are snacks served?
- Where are the menus posted?
- Do residents who need it receive help with eating?
- Are visitors allowed to eat with residents?
- In what way does the facility encourage the residents, families, and friends to assist in care?
- In what way does the facility encourage suggestions from residents and their families?
- Is there a variety of interesting social, recreational, and cultural activities planned?
- Where is the schedule of activities posted?
- Do residents participate in the activities?
- Are supplies and equipment available for activities?
- What is the basic monthly charge?
- What services are included in this charge (personal laundry, housekeeping, activities, transportation, etc.)?
- Are these items written in the contract? If not, what are the additional fees?
- What is the refund policy of the facility if the resident is leaves, goes to the hospital, or dies?
- Are these items written in the contract?
- What is the facility’s policy for holding a bed if a resident leaves for hospitalization?
- Do residents, volunteers, and staff speak favorably and freely?
- Are staff members cheerful and courteous?
- Do they show genuine affection and respect toward the residents?
- Do they smile and speak respectfully to the residents while talking to them?
- In a Skilled Nursing Facility, when a resident’s doctor orders special services (special diet, physical therapy, speech therapy, oxygen, tube feeding, other special care), can the nursing home provide them?
- In a Skilled Nursing Facility, does the staff help the residents find available financial assistance?
- If payment is to be made through Medicare, Veterans Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, or private insurance, is the nursing home certified to accept such payment?
- Does the facility have its own pets?
- Are resident’s pets allowed in the facility?
- What is the resident to staff ratio?
- Are caregivers awake 24 hours/day?
- For Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, will progression of the disease result in transfer or discharge from the program, unit and/or care setting?
- How are changes of condition monitored and addressed? Examples include falls, injuries, illnesses and changes in behaviors, nutritional intake and medications.
Cost is a factor which must be considered. It is important to compare apples to apples. Some facilities provide packages; others include services as part of the basic monthly charge, while others offer all services a la carte.
Once you have narrowed your choices, make some visits to the proposed facilities. It is important that you visit a community at least two times to get a good feel for the environment. The first visit should be scheduled with someone at the community who can answer your questions and give you a tour. This is usually a Marketing or Admissions person. The second visit should be unannounced, preferably in the evening or on a weekend. This will give you a second perspective of the community.
The choice of a facility may seem overwhelming but taking it one step at a time will help make this task more manageable. If you still need assistance with this process, there are professionals available to help. Engaging a Nurse Care Manager can make the process easier. The Care Manager can assess the proposed resident’s needs and then guide the selection process, making the process easier and less stressful.