I'm developing a "short list" for future reference for what it's worth this as ratings can change in levels of care over time so I guess consistency of good ratings over time is a factor as well. But besides does it look clean, smell good, have good staffing ratios, kind and caring staff, all the things I can find on a checklist etc... Is there something in hindsight you wish you had asked that you didn't think of but became important later or something you wish you had understood the importance of better when asking questions?
How many jobs are open and what are they paying?
Is the facility flying a 10' x 40' banner out front saying Now Hiring RN's or Now Hiring CNA's?
Are any residents outside enjoying the sunshine?
Are the floors carpeted or vinyl? How do you feel about the flooring?
Who has the food service Contract? Morrisons?
Is there a provision to serve local food specialties?
i.e. On the eastern shore of Maryland I've seen crab cakes, chicken and dumplings and oyster fritters as menu choices as well as crab soup.
Is hair combed?
1. How do you like working here?
2. How long have you worked here?
3. What is the glove change policy?
We learned a lot from this.
I had two different private duty caregivers tell me that they were told to use one pair of gloves for all of the patients on the floor, i.e. not change their gloves until the last patient at facilities they worked at. Both facilities were owned by individuals. The CNA's knew this was totally wrong but they did not want to get fired.
If you know some CNA's in the area they will know the best ones within a 60 mile radius. They will have worked at all of them.
What is the commute for workers? IF it is more than 30 miles the facility will be chronically understaffed. If the facility is in a high net worth area it will be chronically understaffed. CNA's cannot afford to live in these areas.
I also asked about my mother being able to keep her cat (yes, but the aides would not clean the litter box).
Read, read, read your policy, facility handbook, etc. and then read it again and after that read it again.
Another thing, if it is shared rooms, how do they determine what roommates should be matched and how do they deal with a bad fit? You don't want your loved one moved from a room they occupied before a disruptive roommate was introduced, you want them to be able to stay put if they were there 1st.
Maybe ask what their company policy is about resident to caregiver ratio and is that 24/7/365 or only Monday thru Friday 8 to 5?
What are your levels of care, and what list can you give me of determination of what level of care client requires?
What dietary choices are present; may I attend a meal?
What raises in cost can I expect yearly?
If private-pay funds run out do you accept Medicaid?
Under what circumstances might I be asked to leave your care?
Mostly you are down to observation and what is most important to you. When my brother and I went exploring for his placement he knew that the beautiful, well-kept grounds were more important to him that food that was described as "Like fine dining on a cruise". He liked the atmosphere of the several "cottages" around a large area; each housing about 14 residents, and each with its own "personality". He liked the activities and the large community center.
As you explore you will add to your own list. I wish you the best.
***If mom has a LTC policy, how does it work in conjunction with paying the monthly rent. My mom’s facility has a procedure for handling rent payments and LTC reimbursements.
***Does mom need to have renters insurance?
***Does the maintenance staff assist if mom wants to move furniture in her apartment?
***Read, reread and then reread again any printed information about the facility.
***What is the protocol for contacting the emergency contact if something happens to mom?
***Make sure mom takes advantage of all services that are part of the rent. I’ve had to remind my mom at times that “this is what you’re paying for, have the staff do it for you.”