There are so many decisions to make and options to consider when choosing a long-term care facility for your loved one. We have compiled a list of the top five things you and your family should consider. Of course, this list is not exhaustive but can serve as a launchpad to guide your research.
- Location
- Amenities and services
- Engagement
- Caregivers and medical providers
- Cost and ways to pay
Location
If a loved one needing long-term care lives in a different city than you or your siblings and other family members, does it make sense to find a facility closer to loved ones or remain in place? Are there friends and family in the vicinity who can stop by for visits? If you choose a facility that’s close to friends and family, make it easier by finding a location that’s in proximity to normal daily travels, so it’s relatively convenient to visit.
Hillcrest Healthcare offers three convenient Knoxville communities, so your loved ones can receive skilled nursing, rehabilitation or long-term care that’s easily accessible from the major population centers in the area.
Amenities and services
Are there particular services and amenities that will improve your loved one’s quality of life, such as on-site beauty and barber services or transportation to doctor appointments? Are there amenities you should consider such as bathrooms that are well lit and have safety fixtures to reduce the incidence of injuries?
Services can help ease logistic planning if they’re provided by the facility, but may also come at additional cost, which is another consideration. Don’t forget to consider medical services that the facility offers on-site or with partners if your loved ones will need rehabilitation, physical therapy or other specialized medical services.
Engagement
Seniors are prone to experiencing loneliness, which can lead to health issues that accelerate illness and shorten life expectancy. At Hillcrest Healthcare, we provide personalized and meaningful engagement opportunities for those in our care because we understand the importance of offering social support and fostering a sense of belonging.
When looking a long-term care facility, explore the types of engagement and activities that will be offered and determine whether or not they fit within the interests of your loved one. Also ask if someone will encourage participation or bring activities to your loved one if bed bound. If your loved one is religious, consider the types of spiritual services offered or available technology to connect the resident to digital services.
Caregivers and medical providers
We believe in offering quality and compassionate care to our residents and patients. Try to meet caregivers to determine if their type of care aligns with what you want for your loved one. Do they take pride in their job? What is the ratio of caregivers to patients? How does staffing change at night, on the weekends and on holidays? What type of medical providers are on staff and how often do they visit residents? These all are important considerations.
Cost and ways to pay
Many facilities will work with you to help create a plan to pay for the cost of full-time care. Make sure you understand the recurring monthly expenses and what services incur extra costs. Families should consider all resources such as long-term care insurance; Medicare, Medicaid or other primary insurance; supplemental insurance; and retirement and other savings accounts when considering long-term care.
There are many things to consider when choosing a long-term care facility and we hope this Top 5 list has been beneficial. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions, and you also can scroll to our FAQ list for other important information.