Dear Denise,
We’re looking for a facility for my mom, who has Alzheimer’s. My dad has been caring for her, but his health is now failing. Are there reporting agencies (like Better Business Bureau) for care facilities that could be reviewed for reporting of any incidents?
What would be the primary factors that you would use to select a facility and staff? I have my own ideas, but would be interested to hear yours.
Hello,
Facilities which receive Medicare funding are surveyed annually. Based on survey results, Medicare has created a Five Star rating system. You can see how facilities do at this page on Medicare’s website: http://bit.ly/LWhLs
These facilities also must post their survey results within their buildings; when you visit facilities, you can ask to review their latest survey results.
A couple suggestions to help:
1. Often assisted living facilities are not certified for Medicaid (the federal and state program for low-income individuals); if your mom would run out of a money in an assisted living facility that is not Medicaid-certified, she may have to move. Medicaid pays for nursing home care when a resident’s funds are depleted. As you consider facilities, be sure to look at facilities that do and do not accept Medicaid. For those who do not, ask how they manage a situation when a resident runs out of funds.
2. You have the best choice of facilities if your mom can pay for a care for at least one year.
3. Your dad’s assets are protected as “the at-home spouse.” You can learn more about the spousal impoverishment provision here: http://www.caregiving.com/2009/01/help-for-caregiving-spouses/ This article also may help: http://www.caregiving.com/2009/06/resources-to-ensure-good-nursing-home-care/
My criteria for choosing would be:
1. Which facility has a staff that I liked and felt comfortable speaking with? I really think a good relationship with the staff is critical. Problems will arise–you’ll want to feel like you can work with the staff to resolve.
2. How long has the administrator (or executive director) been at the facility? Director of Nursing? You’ll want to see a trend that shows stability, although some turn-over is good (new blood sometimes causes good changes).
3. Which facility has the staff that enjoyed working with older adults? Did I feel a good energy during the activities? Did I see any residents that had make-up and jewelry? (To me, this shows that staff make an extra effort during resident care.)
4. Which facility will be easiest for family visits? In your case, which will be easiest for your dad to drive to? To navigate through the building to your mom’s room?
5. Which facility will be able to manage the care as care needs increase? If my family member needs hospital care, will she be able to return to the facility for therapy? Or, will she need to go to another facility for rehab? (Facilities that are certified for Medicare will be able to provide therapy services.)
6. How does the facility handle staffing shortages? Some facilities will use an agency when they are short on staffing. I’m not a big fan of this because the agency staff will be unfamiliar with resident needs. Some facilities will have administrative staff (those who are nurses) take a shift. Be sure to understand how shortages are handled–they will occur.
7. Ask the staff for a specific example of how they handled a resident displaying difficult behavior. How comfortable are you with the answer?
8. Finally, private time may be important for your dad and your mom. How does the staff work to ensure they have the time they woud like?
Visit the facilities at a few different times, so you can see what’s it like during lunch, during afternoon activities, during dinner, and at night time. And, be sure to visit on a weekend.
I think your gut will play a big role in your decision.
Let me know what happens!
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