What to Look for in a Long-Term Care Home
Moving Mom/Dad into a care home/nursing community is rarely easy. I well remember the day that my family moved my father into an Alzheimer’s secured unit and how I faced the stark reality that day that he was not going to get any better. You can, however, make this move easier by knowing what to look for before having your parent move in. Never leave this decision up to chance. Tour the care facilities of choice, ask pointed questions, compare options and make the most educated decision you can. Here are just a few of the most important factors to consider:
Location: Where is the desired retirement home situated? Is it convenient for you and your siblings to visit? What services and/or amenities are located nearby (e.g. your family doctor’s office, a park, a shopping mall, a drugstore/pharmacy, walking paths, etc.).
Location within the Location: Where is your parent’s room within the care home? A corner room with a large window will attract ample sunlight. Ensure the window properly opens to allow for both fresh air to circulate and for your bed-bound parent to still enjoy some of the sounds from the outside world (maybe the chirping of birds or the laughter of children playing in a schoolyard across the street).
Additional Services: Does the care home provide any “extras” for residents? Please note that such services (including meals, hairdressing, laundry, social activities, etc.) may well cost you and your family extra. Ascertain what is available and whether there are any hidden associated costs.
Staff Interaction: When you first visit a care home, carefully observe how the care staff interacts with other residents. Are residents being properly assisted with their respective needs, or is the staff simply mingling with each other? This will give you a better idea as to how your own parent may be treated.
Cleanliness: When you tour a prospective care home for your parent(s), don’t just settle for what is shown. Look at the kitchen, visit the public washrooms and peer into closets and/or stairwells … are all these areas swept and mopped regularly? On a related note, check both the interior and exterior of the property. Does the care home need a new coat of paint? Is the front lawn freshly-mowed or are the sidewalks recently-shovelled? Are there any neglected maintenance issues?
Parking: Parking at senior’s residences may be limited and spaces may be reserved for only the care staff’s usage. I recall the parking lot at my father’s care home which appeared initially to be quite spacious; however, it often proved to be inadequate on Sundays which were popular visiting days for many others.
Rick Lauber is the author of Caregiver's Guide for Canadians: http://www.self-counsel.com/default/caregiver-s-guide-for-canadians.html. As a former caregiver, Lauber shares his own experiences and lessons learned. This guidebook is a valuable resource and speaks on many issues of relevance to caregivers.
