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● 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: