Finances. How much does the facility cost? Does the facility accept Medicaid or private insurance? How much can your family afford in regard to long-term care?
Location. Is the facility close to a variety of family and friends so that visits will be more feasible and frequent?
Expertise. Is the facility equipped to care for people with Alzheimer's disease and related conditions? Are staff members trained to handle behavioral issues such as aggression and wandering? Is the staff physician familiar with Alzheimer's-related health care issues?
Day-to-Day Care. How do staff members interact with the residents? Does the facility have a friendly atmosphere? Is it too noisy or chaotic? What kinds of activities and social opportunities are available for people with Alzheimer's disease?
Physical Environment. Does the physical layout of the facility provide opportunities for socializing as well as privacy? Is the facility clean, bright, safe, and secure?
Personal Wishes. What kind of long-term care facility would your loved one prefer? Even if your relative can't communicate his preferences right now, you might be able to recall earlier conversations when certain preferences about location, services, or other qualities were revealed.
Although choosing long-term care might be stressful, asking these questions will help you choose the best facility for your family member, which can help you feel confident in your decision. In the end, it's all about asking the right questions.
Sources:
Choosing a nursing home. Jewish Home Life Care. 2008. http://www.jewishhome.org/jewishHome/ShowSingleIndexContent.do?spaceUUID=319840a9-a9d2-11dc-bf90-1f51b4d1de60&css=three
Gruetzner, H. (2001). Alzheimer's: A caregiver's guide and sourcebook (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
