Picking a good care facility is a crucial part of long-term care planning. The decision you make here could have lasting and serious repercussions.
So how do you know that you have settled on the right care facility? What steps can you take to pick the best one possible?
What to keep in mind when looking
The National Institute on Aging discusses picking the right care facility. First, note that not all care facilities will suit every person’s needs equally. Some specialize in certain types of care, and though the facility itself might be great, it may not work for you if it does not cater to your specific needs.
Outside of that, there are certain facilities that genuinely are not the best places. They might have an understaffing problem and cannot give proper care to every resident. They might struggle with poor staff choices. The facility itself might look old and in need of repairs.
Always see facilities in person
Of course, these are things you will not know unless you go to see the facility in person. This is why a guided tour is one of the most important parts of choosing a care home.
Try to speak with the nursing director and the director of the home in person, too. This way, you get more of a feeling as to who they are as people and how they want to run things. You can also ask any questions you may have in person.
Compare several of your top choices in this way, and you will have an easier time narrowing down what you want.