A Place for Mom, Inc. Publishes “Tips on Touring” to Help Families
Choose the Best Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities for their Loved Ones
SEATTLE, WA - A Place for Mom, the nation’s largest
eldercare referral service, recently published it’s
“Tips on Touring” to help the millions of families
searching for long-term care choose the best community for
their loved ones. Care quality is a vital part of choosing
long-term care, yet care quality can change at any time. A
Place for Mom recommends that families use all available resources
to evaluate a long-term care community, but above all, evaluate
care quality themselves. To help guide that evaluation, A
Place for Mom has published this list of 10 simple “Tips
on Touring”.
These tips can also be found online at
www.aplaceformom.com
or families may request a free bookmark with a copy of these
tips by calling (206) 802-1512.
Tip #1: Safe and sound
Safety and security features are of the utmost importance.
Are the bathrooms accessible and do they have grab bars in
convenient locations? How does a resident contact staff if
they have an emergency in their room or apartment? What other
safety features are available in the apartment and throughout
the community? Ask about the staffing schedule to understand
who will be on-site to assist the resident. How many licensed
nurses or staff members are available? What are the staffing
patterns at night versus in the daytime? How are medications
managed? If your loved one is prone to wandering due to Alzheimer’s
or dementia, is a secure unit the right solution?
Tip #2: Care with dignity
As you tour, ask lots of questions about personal care. Look
at the current residents. Are they clean-shaven with well-groomed
hair and nails? Discuss bathing options and your loved one’s
preferences. Are the residents dressed appropriately? Is the
staff treating residents with respect and a smile?
Tip #3: Clean as a Whistle
Is the community fresh and clean? Look past the furnishings
and into corners, baseboards, and windows. Ask how often housekeeping
is provided in the apartment or room. What services does maintenance
provide? What is their response time?
Tip #4: Follow Your Nose
Odors may indicate lack of cleanliness or just a temporary
problem that was caused by one recent incident. If you find
odors in a concentrated area of the tour this may indicate
a single incident. Odors throughout the community more likely
indicate a larger problem. Ask the manager what they believe
the problem to be before proceeding.
Tip #5: Busy residents are happy residents
Ask to watch activities. Are they well attended? Does the
staff seem to be enjoying the activities as well? Look at
the community events calendar. Do the events match your loved
one's interests? Look for small and large group activities,
trips or outings. Inquire about religious services if this
is important to you.
Tip #6: Whistle while they work
Staff attitude and friendliness are of the utmost importance.
Observe the staff interacting with current residents. Do they
listen and make eye contact? If you feel welcomed while you
tour, so will your loved one. Make sure you get a good understanding
of the staffing pattern. How many people are truly involved
in his/her care? Introduction to the management team will
help you understand the goals of the property. Is the manager
willing and available to meet with you? Do you have confidence
in his/her management style and experience?
Tip #7: Find the great outdoors
Everyone wants to go outside on beautiful spring days. Investigate
the outdoor areas for the residents. Does it feel safe and
secure? Find out if the staff uses the same area for breaks.
Do they host activities such as gardening in these areas?
Tip #8: Choices, choices, choices
The dining room experience is very important to seniors. Discuss
entree choices and ask about dining hours and procedures.
Bring your loved one in for a meal to taste the food and meet
some of the residents. Discuss what happens if a resident
cannot make it to the dining room for a meal. Don't forget
to ask about the laundry service. Who does the laundry and
what is the cost? Ask about laundry procedures.
Tip #9: When it’s time to leave
No one likes to move a lot. Ask about specific move-out criteria.
Under what circumstances might a resident be asked to move?
What type of notice is given; by them or by you? In many cases,
a 30-day notice may be required.
Tip #10: Trust your instincts
As you're touring, can you imagine you or your loved one living
there and being comfortable? Did you feel at ease while touring?
Was the staff friendly and inviting? The property doesn’t
have to be the most beautiful to be the best place for your
loved ones to live comfortably! Follow your instincts and
your heart.
About A Place for Mom
A Place for Mom is the nation's largest elder care referral network serving families
who are searching for care options for elderly loved ones. A Place for Mom has over
12,000 long-term care communities in its referral network such as
assisted living,
nursing homes,
Alzheimer's care,
residential care homes,
retirement communities,
and home care options.
Families can review detailed information about their local elder care providers
online, and get free personal, professional assistance by telephone from one of
300 local eldercare advisors. A Place for Mom's referral network of long-term
care providers covers more than 3,000 cities in the U.S. For more information,
visit www.aplaceformom.com
or call 1-866-333-3110.
