Qualities to Look for in a Senior Care Facility

Whether it may be for yourself or a loved one, the choice to enter a senior care facility is a personal decision. Sometimes, this choice can feel daunting and you may not know what to look for. Each person has different needs, but there are general qualities that could help you refine your choices. As you embark on your journey of finding the facility that best suits your needs, consider the following key qualities. 

Flexible Visitation

The closer you are located to your loved ones, the more likely you will be able to pay a visit. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, some senior care facilities have offered different or limited visiting hours to adhere to physical distancing regulations. Be sure to ask about visitation protocols, as each facility differs. This may influence how often you or a loved one see each other. Along with physical visitation, does the facility you are considering have other ways to help you communicate with your loved ones? Search for a facility that makes an effort to allow its residents to see their loved ones. Physical and online visits should be made easier with the help of the facility, not harder. 

Location

As much as the proximity of loved ones is important, consider outside resources beyond what the facility would be able to provide. This can include things such as medical buildings, shopping centers, entertainment, and other services you may want to be near. Furthermore, does the facility offer transportation to outside venues? If so, are there additional fees for transportation? Do transportation plans have to be made in advance?

Purposeful Opportunities

A facility should cater to all aspects of an individual, including their social, emotional, and physical needs. Senseless games should not be at the center of every resident’s schedule. For example, ask whether activities are adapted for people with disabilities. In addition to doing activities that have a purpose, ask if the facility allows one to choose their own schedule (sleep and wake times, what to wear, when to eat, menu choices, etc.). Residents should be treated with respect and be encouraged to make their own decisions if appropriate.

Safety and Ratings

In addition to making sure a facility is well maintained, be sure to look out for potential hazards or discomforts. This can include evenly paved sidewalks, easily visible signs, handrails, higher toilet seats, and evacuation drills. While it is a good idea to ask the facility these questions, don’t be afraid to do some additional online research when it comes to safety ratings. This Medicare website offers overall ratings of facilities based on three important performances: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. In addition, it allows you to see other information like vaccination rates and if the facility has any citations for elder abuse.

Consistent Assignment and Staff Retention 

Consistent assignment means that the same residents are cared for by the same caregivers when they are working about 80% of the time. This quality helps to give insight on how good of interactions staff has with their residents. In addition, the consistent assignment also helps caregivers to better understand a resident’s needs so they can not only provide better care but also create a secure and warm environment. 

In addition to considering consistent assignment, asking about staff retention could help to answer further questions you may have about a facility. Staff retention indirectly affects a resident. A heavy turnover rate in a facility can indicate job dissatisfaction or an unstable work environment. Staff retention rates are therefore important to consider.

Among these qualities, it is important to do further personal research and ask questions, as your happiness and quality of care should be prioritized.

— Lauren Goldberg