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CHOOSING A FACILITY—CHECKLIST
Moving yourself or a loved one into a facility is never an easy decision. The thought of making such a decision can cause anxiety, anger, guilt or depression.
Below is helpful information to consider before your visit to the community. Also included is a checklist to choosing a retirement/health care facility.
- Does the facility have the required current license from the state or letter of approval from a licensing agency?
- Is the facility certified to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs? Does the facility accept HMO's?
- Cost of facility?
- Do staff members show residents genuine interest and affection? Do they know them by name?
- Do residents look well cared for and generally content?
- Are residents allowed to wear their own clothes, decorate their rooms, and keep a few prized possessions on hand?
- Is there a written statement of residents' rights? Is there a copy of the facility's most recent survey conducted by Federal or state surveyors and a plan of correction in effect with respect to the facility? Are they posted in a place readily accessible and visible?
- Is the facility clean and orderly and in good repair?
- Are toilet and bathing facilities easy for handicapped residents to use?
- Is the facility well lit?
- Is the facility reasonably free of unpleasant odors?
- Are rooms well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature?
- Are there wheelchair ramps where necessary?
- Are there handrails on both sides of the hallway?
- Is there an automatic sprinkler system and automatic emergency lighting?
- Are there portable fire extinguishers and smoke detectors on every floor?
- In case of emergencies, is a physician available at all times, either on staff or on call (i.e. podiatrist, dentist, psychologist, etc)?
- Are pharmaceutical services supervised by a qualified pharmacist?
- Does the facility have arrangements with a nearby hospital for quick transfer of residents in an emergency?
- Are nurse call buttons located at each resident's bed and in toilet and bathing areas?
- How many meals are provided? Are snacks offered? Ask to see a sample menu.
- Are special meals prepared for residents on therapeutic or other diets?
- Are there special services available to aid residents and their families (i.e. social services, hospice, therapy, etc.)?
- What activities are offered for residents everyday including weekends? Are those that are relatively inactive encouraged to attend?
- Is a married couple allowed to share a room? Do they have to?
- In heath care, is there a curtain or screen available to provide privacy for each bed whenever necessary?
- What is the size of the community campus?
- Are pets allowed in the resident's rooms or for visits?
- Are there private areas for residents to visit or dine with family members?
- Does the facility have a resident council? Do residents have the opportunity to participate in personal decision-making?
- Is there an entrance fee or an application fee?
- Be sure to ask criteria for admission and full scope of services.
- What are the visiting hours?
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