Planning Ahead - A Guide to Choosing a Nursing Facility

The following questions may guide you in evaluating nursing facilities as you begin your selection process. Remember, your family member is unique and has different needs, preferences and desires that should be taken into account in the selection of a facility. Alzheimer's - like many other memory impairing illnesses, is progressive. You should look for a facility that can accomodate the changing needs of your family member in order to avoid having to move them when their needs change.

> Location : Visitors are important! Is the facility conveniently located for frequent visits from family and friends?

> Ambience : Is the atmosphere welcoming and attractive? Is there a separate secured unit for persons with a memory impairing illness? If not, how is the safety of residents monitored? Do they offer special programming for persons with a memory impairing illness?

> Staff : Observe staff interactions with the residents. Do caregivers show a positive attitude toward residents? Do they greet you during your tour? Are care staff licensed? How are staff encouraged to continue their training and increase their skills? What is the average staff longevity? Is there high turnover? What programs does the facility offer to ensure employee satisfaction?

> Activities : Look over the activity calendar for a month and ask questions about the programs available. Is there variety? Try to plan your visit so you can view a program in action. Are the residents participating? Do they seem interested? How are residents encouraged to participate?

> Religion : Are religious services held on the premises? What individualized arrangements can be made for residents who request them?

> Rooms : Ask to visit a typical room. Does the living space suit the needs of the resident? How are roommates selected? How are private items stored or secured? What are the policies for residents having a private phone? What are the policies for decorating rooms with personal items? Can you visualize your family member being comfortable?

> Dining : Observe mealtime at the facility. Review a menu for a week or month. Ask to have the dining procedures explained to you. What arrangements will be made if your family member is unable to eat in the dining room? What is the practice for special dining or menu requests? Are snacks provided? Are there private dining areas available when family and friends visit?

> Plan of Care / Special Services: How are the residents and families encouraged to participate in developing a plan of care? Does the facility provide services for terminally ill residents and their families? What special programs are available to accomodate residents needs? (Alzheimer's or dementia programs and services; Subacute care; therapy; respiratory care and services...)

> Medical : Are there other medical professionals available to care for all your family members needs? (Dentist; Podiatrists; Optometrists...) What hospital(s) does the facility typically deal with in an emergency? How are arrangements made to hold a bed if your family member requires hospitalization? How are prescription drugs ordered? How often is the Medical Director or Nurse Practitioner on site?

> Costs : Are all services your family member requires covered in the basic charges? If not, request a list of specific services not covered in the basic rate. (Beautician, special foods, personal laundry...)

> Resident Rights : What are resident's rights and responsibilities? When are restraining devices recommended and why? Does the facility have a Resident Council? Does the facility have a Family Council that you can participate in?

> Licensure and Certification : If needed by the resident, is the facility certified to provide Medicare and Medicaid coverage? Is the latest state survey resport available for review?

> Customer Satisfaction / Quality Assurance : Does the facility have a formal quality assurance program? How are corrections, changes and improvements made? Does the facility have a customer satisfaction survey process? What are the results of the last customer satisfaction survey?

How are complaints / concerns handled?

> Your Role : If you are helping to select a long term care facility for a loved one, are you...

Involving your family member in the process? Prepared to ease the resident's transition to the facility by accompanying them on admission day and staying awhile to help them get settled? Prepared to become involved by attending Care Plan Meetings, Family Council Meetings and voicing your concerns or complaints to the staff regularly to ensure they are meeting the needs of your family member?

Finally - Nursing facilities should try to be like a community - where residents are comfortable, find familiar faces and build relationships just like they enjoyed in their own neighborhood. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your family member will benefit from the highest quality of care and a fullfilling quality of life.

ElderWood Senior Care has 8 Skilled Facilities and 4 Assisted Living facilties throughout WNY to serve the needs of our community. For information regarding all the quality services and programs offered - please contact ElderWood Senior Care at (716)633-3900.