A few years ago we had a call from a client who wanted to move her mother into a retirement home but couldn’t decide where. She had loads of brochures and had been to visit quite a few. She was struggling to make a decision but hadn’t drawn up a list of what she wanted for her mom. We chatted a bit and talked through her basic needs and requirements, and armed with a list a decision was made. We assisted with the downsizing and moving process and her mother settled in well.
I have shared this list before but I think it worth sharing again. Here is a comprehensive list of questions you should be asking:
ASK ABOUT THE SERVICES PROVIDED
- Activities (crafts, social events, sports, educational, etc.)
- Meals (individually prepared or in a dining room)
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transport
- Security
- Assistance with grooming, bathing, and dressing
- Administration and management of medications
- A doctor on call
- Skilled nursing care
- Shopping and errand running
- Social services and therapeutic care
- Spiritual services and worship
- Emergency medical care
GO AND TAKE A LOOK
- Are services provided by in-house staff or outsourced to other agencies?
- Do you have a choice of room / apartment sizes and layouts?
- Do they make it easy for friends and family to visit?
- What does the monthly rate include? Are there charges for other services?
- Can furniture and other personal items be brought from home?
- What kinds of activities and recreation are available? How often?
- Is the facility clean, well-run, and efficient?
- Can the facility provide a higher level of care later on if needed?
- Is the facility licensed?
SAFETY FEATURES
- Well-lit stairs and halls
- Handrails in the bath tub and by the toilet
- Emergency call buttons in the rooms, or worn by residents
- Well-marked exits
- Fire and smoke alarms for the hearing impaired
- A bill of rights that identifies and respects residents
All of this seems fairly obvious, but going armed with a list ensures you don’t miss anything important.
Do you have you own questions to add to this list?
