Ombudsman Definition | Ombudsman Volunteer | Technical Assistance | Resident's Rights
CHOOSING LONG TERM CARE
Each long term care facility in your area will have unique strengths and weaknesses. Before you begin looking, be sure your loved one's medical condition has been thoroughly evaluated.
If at all possible, take the resident to visit potential long-term care facilities before a decision is made. This visit can give you insight into the resident's wishes and may ease your loved one's fears.
Visit as many homes as possible. You can learn a great deal about a home by taking time to sit and observe how staff interacts with residents. Also, speak with residents to get a full understanding of life in the home.
It is very important to visit homes a second time during the weekend or evening – times when many long-term care facilities reduce their staff and services.
The following questions may help in your evaluation; using your senses – sight, hearing, smell, touch:
- Are there any offensive odors
- Is the temperature level comfortable
- Are the floors and walls clean
- Are the residents well groomed
- Are the residents “gathered” in one area
- Are there a number of “restrained” residents
- Is there any privacy available to the residents
- Are residents comfortable around staff
- Is there respect between staff and residents
- Does the staff smile
- Does there appear to be adequate staff
- Are the call lights responded to
- Is food nutritional and appetizing
- What is included in daily activities
- Is there a resident council and/or family council
You should also ask to see the latest State Survey Results. This should be posted in the facility, if not, ask to see it.
Copies of state inspection reports are available from the licensing and certification agency, which are available from the facility itself, from the ombudsman, or on the World Wide Web at www.medicare.gov ., click on “Nursing Home Compare.”
For more information on choosing a long-term care home or assistance in resolving problems in a care facility contact:
Trisha Dodd e-mail: ombudsmanb@grandgateway.org
Lahona Young e-mail: ombudsmana@grandgateway.org
Oklahoma Senior Info-Line1-800-211-2116 Nationwide 1-800-482-4594
Ombudsman Volunteer | Technical Assistance | Resident's Rights
Choosing a Nursing Home |
