Assess Your Care Needs

Obtaining a practical and objective understanding of these care needs will be invaluable as you evaluate various housing and care choices.

• Begin by asking questions of knowledgeable healthcare practitioners such as physicians, therapists, dietitians, social workers, etc., who are familiar with your care needs/history. Conversations with these individuals may help you to better identify what kinds and how much care and assistance may be required.
• Completing a self-evaluation may also be beneficial. Click here for a sample self-evaluation.
• Determine available financial resources and insurance coverage options. For questions about insurance, contact an APPRISE counselor. Many facilities and organizations offer a variety of services and level of care options based upon consumer need and the ability to pay. Once you have an understanding of what care requirements exist coupled with what is financially affordable, you can begin to evaluate the various options in your area.

Research

Whether it is home health services, adult day care, skilled nursing care, respite care or independent living services, numerous credible websites offer a wealth of information. The Pennsylvania Caregiving Services website provides information about existing and available services by county. Visiting the facility itself and asking questions of current residents and their family members is still perhaps the best way to determine whether or not the facility will meet your needs.

Long-Term Living Arrangements

Although facility appearance (cleanliness and decor) is important, you should ask practical questions regarding:

• Staffing ratios (total number of direct patient care hours per day)
• Staffing mix (total number of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants)
• Staffing turnover issues
• Available assistance during mealtime
• Role of the Medical Director
• Patient participation in care-planning process
• Recent facility survey history

This is not an all-inclusive list of discussion topics, but may help you when comparing facilities.