We want the best for our aging loved ones. Sometimes, the level of care needed is beyond what we are able to provide. This is when it is time to make the move to a long term care facility. In order to ease the transition and provide everyone involved with some peace of mind, doing your due diligence in selecting the long term care facility is important. It can be difficult, but worth putting in the time and effort to make sure your loved one will be in the best possible place.
How to Choose the Best Long Term Care Facility for your Aging Loved One
In order to choose the best long term care facility, you must first determine what is needed. Different people require different levels of care. Some will need an assisted living facility because they require help performing several daily living activities, such as getting dressed or bathing. Others may require a skilled nurse because they have complex medical or behavior issues or are bedridden. In other cases, specialized memory care is needed for those facility residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
In addition to assessing what type of facility is needed to best care for and support your loved one, you need to take a good look at the ability to pay. This is often a significant factor which acts as a limitation on your options. Evaluate your loved ones’ financial resources, such as whether they have access to long-term care insurance. He or she may be a veteran in which case the Department of Veterans Affairs may offer payment support.
You should also look for facility recommendations from doctors, friends, and family. Let them know what is needed and what location you are looking into. Having a geographic area in mind is important. Make sure that it allows those close to your elderly loved one access to them. Having loved ones close by and available to make visits can be a critical factor in easing the transition into the long term care facility and promoting contentment when living there.
Visiting facilities will also be an important step in the selection process. There is only so much you can learn about a facility from reviews and online research. Seeing the facility for yourself can really give you a sense of what life is like there. Go to the facility and be prepared to take note of important details such as the level of cleanliness. Observe residents and see how they behave in common areas. Are they active? Engaged? Do they look happy and comfortable?
Observe how the employees act and engage with facility residents. Are they happy? Attentive? Do they seem to enjoy what they do? Even try to take a look at some of the activities the facility offers and see how employees and residents interact at them.
During your visit, be prepared to outline the needs of your loved one. Directly ask if these are needs that the facility can meet. Additionally, get a clear understanding of the financial costs associated with the facility. This will include determining the monthly cost and any additional fees that may be associated with it. Also, ask about things such as what activities are offered and the ratio of caregivers to residents.
Estate Planning Attorney
Choosing the right long term care facility for your aging loved one can seem like a daunting task. At Verras Law, our elder law team is here to provide you with support. We can answer your questions and help determine your long term care funding options. Contact Verras Law today.