New LifeStyles - Santa Barba

Summer/Fall 2015

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30 ● What levels of care do they offer? ● Do they accept Medicare or Medicaid? ● Are there any restrictions on the type of residents they admit? ● What is provided for in the basic daily rate? ● What services cost extra? ● Is there a volunteer program? It is recommended that you visit the community and observe the following: ■ Is there adequate staff? Check on how long nurse call lights stay on. See if the residents look clean and if they are dressed in clean clothes. Observe if staff members are kind and responsive when they talk to residents. ■ Is the food good? Ask a resident how it tastes. See if it looks good and if it's served hot. Do the residents seem to get enough to eat? Are they offered second servings, diet permitting? Does the home serve snacks? Is the dining room clean and well furnished? Are residents assisted with eating when required? ■ Is there an activity program? Ask if a full-time activity director is employed. Is a list of activities posted? Is there something for patients to do who are confined to their rooms? Are there a lot of residents sitting around with nothing to do? Does the facility have community TV with good reception? Is there a volunteer program? Based on the above factors, your choice of a care community should include the following: 1. Good visible resident care. 2. Convenient location. 3. Friendly, competent staff. 4. Good food, well prepared, attractively served, and adequate portions. 5. Clean, free of unpleasant odors. QUESTIONS TO ASK When selecting a care community ask the following questions of the adminis trator or admissions coordinator:

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