Tips for Choosing a Facility:

As you begin comparing communities, take time to weigh which factors are most important to you and your family. Bring this checklist along as you visit and evaluate potential long-term care facilities.

• Is this home licensed and accredited by the state board of health?
• Ask to see last health department survey report. Are there few or no deficiencies in the report?
• Do you sense that there is enough staff available to care for the residents?
• Does the staff respond well to you? Do they respond well to the residents?
• Are there multiple levels of care available in the facility?
• Are arrangements made for dental, foot, and eye care?
• Does the facility do personal laundry?
• Are personal routines respected?
• Do the residents you see look content and well cared for?
• Is there an unpleasant odor?
• Are residents lively and alert or do they appear listless?
• Are there windows in all of the bedrooms?
• Are there activities going on to keep residents occupied?
• Is there Physical Therapy? Occupational Therapy? Recreational Therapy?
• What is the cost? More expensive is not always an indicator of better care.
• Does this home accept Medicaid?
• If the resident leaves are any deposit monies returned?
• If the patient should need to go to the hospital will the bed be held?