What should you look for in a long-term care facility?
Whether attempting to choose a long-term care facility for a close friend or loved one, or selecting a new home for yourself, there are some important factors to consider.
Long-term care facilities offer medical supervision and assistance to those who are unable to live completely independently. Care homes differ in the amount of assistance they offer. While some provide help with basic living tasks, such as bathing, dressing and eating, other homes simply have medical staff available in case you need them.
Considering the factors
According to Medicare.gov, there are a number of items to look at before choosing the best assisted living facility for you. These include the following:
- What type of medical care is available?
- What types of activities does the home offer to promote socialization?
- Are family members welcome at any time?
- Is the facility in a good area, close to friends and family?
- Does the facility accept your insurance?
- What types of reviews does the home have?
You should not lose your right to make decisions regarding your care. However, there may be directives in place allowing others to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to make those choices.
Ensuring safety and well-being
You may also want to research whether the care facility has accreditations or certifications, such as the Joint Commission’s Long Term Care Accreditation Program. These programs gain an in-depth look at the standards and ethics used to run the facility. According to the Joint Commission, this includes topics such as infection prevention and control, emergency management, environment of care, human resources, safety precautions, medication management and respectful treatment of residents.
