Generally, it is a difficult decision to place your loved one in a long-term care facility. No matter how much important this decision is, a sense of guilt and depression is often present. But in many cases, long-term caregivers provide such help that often family members of the patient cannot provide him so it is not such a gloomy situation that many consider it to be. Apart from the advantages of long-term care facilities you have to consider many factors while choosing long-term care facilities near you for your senior loved one. To get know about these considerations let’s dive into this blog and get answers to all your queries. But wait a second before going toward those factors firstly think about what actually your needs are and what you want. Always choose any long-term care facility according to your personal and medical needs.
Things to consider while choosing a long-term care facility:
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the first and foremost question when choosing any long-term care facility. Cleanliness does not mean an exotic entrance, a modern hall with fancy lighting, waterfalls, and beautiful décor. To check the cleanliness of long-term facility residences you have to check common areas, particularly residents’ rooms. Are these areas clean? Even more important are residents of this facility are clean? If in the afternoon the residents are walking or sitting in their pyjamas then it is a clear red flag. Moreover, if the long-term care residence is not smelled good then it is better to visit the next one.
Staffing
The quality of staff in any home health care residence is significant as they are responsible for caring for your loved one. Firstly, gather information about the staff – their schooling and experience – tell them that you want references regarding their background and must check them. Also, ask management how many residents are under one caregiver because sometimes the best caregiver cannot take good care of the resident as he is responsible for too many residents. Furthermore, notice that when you enter in long-term care residence whether their staff say hello to you or not? Are they giving respect to other residents? Long-term care job is challenging. Not everyone is suitable for working as a long-term caregiver.
Medical personnel
Most people opt for long-term care facilities because their loved one has a medical issue and their care cannot be taken at home. So, when you go to visit a long-term care residence check whether they have experienced and trained medical personnel or not. Moreover, are they have registered nurses on-site at all times or not? If not, then ask how often they are available. It is essential to have skilled nursing personnel on site as per the residents’ medical needs.
Quality of the care
Before hiring any home health care agency for getting long-term care facilities it is crucial to ask about their care plan. Read their plan of care. See what is included in this plan and what is not. Whether they involve you and your loved one in this plan as you both are premier in this care plan. Also, get information about doctors that are available at the residence. All these factors show the quality of care that is provided by the long-term care facility.
Activities
When you visit any long-term care residence, you would have to be well aware of the day’s activities that are carried in it. Also, you should see their schedule of activities and can confirm whether their list of activities is just formality or if they are actually keeping their word.
Residence Setup
When you go to a long-term care resident you have to consider its physical setup. Does the long-term care residence has a set-up like a hospital or it just looks like an apartment complex? Furthermore, does this residence allow its residents to bring furniture and belonging with them? Is the physical layout of the residence building easy to navigate, particularly for people that have memory issues? Also, the long-term care resident should give a home-like feeling as you are sending your loved one for care, not in prison.
Cost
Practically, long-term care cost will be the first thing that should be considered while buying a long-term care facility as in regular insurance, Medicare, this service is not included. According to an approximation, more than $4000 has to be paid in long-term care facilities per month for your loved one who needs advanced medical care. Due to this reason, it is suggested that buy long-term insurance earlier before you enter your advanced age.
Conclusion
The long-term care facility is the most valuable home health care service that is in trend these days. Assisted living care by long-term care facilities is the most common. This care service gives benefits your senior loved one that needs help to live their life independently. But before choosing any long-term care facilities make sure that you hand over your loved one in safe hands. In short, you have to consider above mentioned factors before making any decision. When you are evaluating a long-term care facility don’t be influenced by the market initiative of administrative staff. You can easily find a good long-term care facility near you by just simply typing Google “long-term care facility near me”.