Housing

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Choosing a Care Facility

The decision to move to a care facility is difficult, so keep your search as simple and organized as possible. If a family member can no longer live at home, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition to residential care.

Locate Suitable Facilities and Make Contact

Gather information about appropriate care facilities and make a list of places you want to visit.
- Get recommendations from friends and family members.
- Doctors, social workers, and clergy members may also make referrals.
- Ask your loved one if his or her friends who have experience with residential care can offer opinions.
After you compile your list, make an initial round of phone calls. You may be able to eliminate several facilities with a short exploration.

Ask basic questions about vacancies, number of residents, costs and method of payment, and participation in Medicare and Medicaid. Also consider such services as transportation, meals, housekeeping, recreation, special Alzheimer’s units, or medication policies.
Hold Preliminary Visits

It’s best to preview several facilities before making a decision. Take the tours, listen to the presentations, and consider the following:
- Look for the facility’s license. Ask to see it if you don’t.
- Take a close look at the building and grounds.
- Talk with residents and their family members.
- Talk to the administrator or person in charge of daily operations.
- Talk to staff members.
- Ask to see a copy of the admission agreement or contract.
Narrow Your Selections and Conduct Interviews

Return to those facilities that seem capable of fulfilling your relative’s needs and talk with residents. How do they feel about the facility? Talk with staff. Are they respectful? Knowledgeable? Compare your impressions of different facilities. If possible, make an unannounced visit or try to arrange an overnight stay. Adjusting to residential care is never easy, but the transition will be a lot smoother if your loved one finds a place where he or she can feel comfortable and receive the right care and services.

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