There are several options to consider when determining what type of residential care setting would best meet your needs. Assisted living facilities are settings for elders who require room, board and a minimal amount of personal care assistance. If you require more medical attention, your choice may need to be a skilled nursing facility. This setting provides 24-hour care by licensed health professionals, and is appropriate for individuals who are chronically ill or who need extended care. Services among these facilities differ greatly. It is vitally important to personally visit prospective facilities to determine which setting is most suitable for you.

The key to finding your facility of choice is investigative touring and comparison-shopping. Creating a priority checklist to compare the different settings can also be a useful tool. When visiting residential care settings, let your senses be your guide. "Listen" carefully to what you see, hear, smell and, most importantly, feel. Trust your instincts.

The following are features that are important to consider when evaluating potential homes. They should be included when developing your priority checklist. Location of the residence is of prime importance. Is the facility convenient and easily accessible to family, friends and frequently used community services? The ideal facility, if not readily available to loved ones and needed services, may not be the best choice.

Note the physical environment. Outdoor areas should be safe and easily accessible for residents’ use. Is the interior clean, orderly and cheerful in appearance, free of unpleasant odors and excessive noise? Safety features such as uncluttered hallways, adequate lighting, grab bars in bathrooms, handrails in halls, smoke detectors and fire alarms should be evident.

Observe the staff’s interactions with the residents. Does the staff address the residents by name, and treat them with respect and dignity? Note the number of staff members on duty during different shifts, and the resident to staff ratio during weekdays and weekends. Take notice if requests for assistance by the residents are being answered promptly.

Look for a calendar of scheduled social activities. Are stimulating programs offered during the day, evenings, weekends and holidays? Are the residents involved in meaningful activities? Or, are they idly sitting in hallways and in lounges with televisions as their only source of entertainment? Check to see if supervised outings in the community are available such as shopping trips and visits to museums, concerts and restaurants.

Financial considerations are also a primary concern when choosing a residence. It is of the utmost importance to fully understand your financial responsibility and your possible eligibility for insurance coverage prior to signing an admission agreement. In general, the more care given the greater the cost. Fully understanding the cost of care and the possible extra charges that could be incurred is essential. In residential care facilities, "extras" may include the following: personal care assistance, incontinence care, special diets, medications, laundry charge, telephone service, transportation fee and personal supplies. In skilled nursing homes, inquire about possible eligibility for insurance coverage by Medicare, Medical Assistance and private long term care insurance policies.

Your investigative information is extremely pertinent, but being attuned to the atmosphere or "feeling" of the residence is just as important. Does the residence feel welcoming, friendly and pleasing to you? Can you picture yourself in this new "home"? Let your intuition be your guide.

Relocating to a residential care setting is certainly a serious decision. But with a positive attitude and early planning, the transition from family house to new home can be less frightening. Be an informed consumer. Take the necessary time to gather adequate information and to visit a variety of facilities, announced and unannounced. Ask if the facility is licensed with local and state regulatory agencies. Choose the setting that best meets your individual needs and, most importantly, makes you feel "at home."

written by Diane Schmitt, BSW