Tips

Tips on Choosing a Long Term Care Facility - Take this checklist with you as you visit and evaluate potential long-term care facilities.

	Is this home licensed and accredited by the state board of health?
	Ask to see last health department survey report. Are there few or no deficiencies in the report?
	Do you sense that there is enough staff available to care for the residents?
	Does the staff respond well to you? Do they respond well to the residents?
	Are there multiple levels of care available in the facility?
	Are arrangements made for dental, foot, and eye care?
	Does the facility do personal laundry?
	Are personal routines respected?
	Do the residents you see look content and well cared for?
	Is there an unpleasant odor?
	Are residents lively and alert or do they appear listless?
	Are there windows in all of the bedrooms?
	Are there activities going on to keep residents occupied?
	Are there more than two beds to a room?
	Is there Physical Therapy? Occupational Therapy? Recreational Therapy?
	What is the cost? More expensive is not always an indicator of better care.
	Does this home accept Medicaid?
	If the resident leaves are any deposit monies returned?
	If the patient should need to go to the hospital will the bed be held?