63
hen selecting a care community ask the following questions of
the administrator or admissions coordinator:
✓ 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 facility 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
residents 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.
W
Questions to Ask