It would be nice when you were choosing an aged care facility if time wasn’t a factor. However, there are times when important decisions have to be made quickly. This may be because a loved one has just been released from a hospital and can’t live alone anymore where you can’t provide a temporary home because perhaps there is a physical disability. Or, a loved one may have a serious health problem which now needs constant care so that both time to find a home and for treatment are critical factors. So what should you know about how to go about choosing a good aged care facility?
The first impression
When you approach an aged care facility, first impressions are everything. Not-withstanding this, a nice outside of the building doesn’t necessarily mean that its service will be great. Take a preliminary tour of the facility to see how it feels. Watch interactions between the residents and the staff; see if the residents seem to be happy and well cared for. Notice if the residents are in their rooms or are they out, being active and interacting. In addition, are the residents dressed or lying in bed? Is the facility clean or dirty? Does it smell? Does it have a homely atmosphere or does it look like a hospital? As you can see, you need to pay attention and check for anything which makes you feel uncomfortable.
Location, location, location
Loneliness is a serious issue for seniors, so the location of the facility is a serious consideration. Being near familiar places such as places of worship, favorite shopping centres, and familiar restaurants can be a significant benefit. Whether the facility is nearby or easily accessible to family and friends to visit is also an important factor. Be sure to ask if the residents have the opportunity to engage with the local community.
The dining area
Eating is a central and essential activity, so the dining area is important. When checking out the facility of your choice, ask for a copy of the daily menus. Find out how often the menu is changed and if the facility makes allowances for the residents’ requests, special needs and tastes. Is there a choice of meals or if only one kind of meal for everyone at each seating. In addition, do the menu’s change with the seasons; for example, soups and hot meals on cold days and something lighter on hot days? You could additionally ask if you could sit in on a meal and observe the other residents and the quality of the food and dining. Also, find out if the residents are permitted to buy a preferred beverage or wine; or if alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Safety concerns
Residents should be able to move around the facility without difficulty and with controlled freedom. Having some freedom of movement alleviates boredom and encourages physical activity. So check the access to outside gardens and other areas and how the security arrangements work; especially for wandering. Also, check the call bells, and find out how responsive the staff are to calls from the residents. Find out how valuables are protected; does each resident have a locked drawer or safe so that valuables or money can be stored without risk of theft?
Day to day living
Question the facility about how it takes care of the resident’s interests and lifestyle. Do they have structured and unstructured activities? Do the residents have any input on what goes on at the facility? Is there internet so residents can Skype or email friends and relatives? Next, ask to see a copy of the resident handbook. Read over the rules applying to personal care, times of meals, visiting times and bedtimes. See if there’s any flexibility in the schedule for individual residents, and if so, how this affects visitation (i.e. if there are any restrictions on visitations from family and friends). In addition, check if there any amenities or things to do for children when they visit. Is there a coffee lounge for visitors? Find out about the process for complaints and give feedback.
Being prepared with the right questions and knowing what to look for will make your choice so much easier.