AARP Eye Center
Hi Pete. I would follow Amy's advice, and definitely look at the Medicare ratings. I'd also see if there's anyway to ask people who are local to you, or to your elder loved one, about their opinions. I used to work as a geriatric care manager, and there are a lot of intangibles, or quiet issues, that don't get posted. Such as, say, if your loved one is African American, are there any African American residents there? I had a client who was very well educated, and virtually all the staff were Black, and she was Black, but all the other residents were white. It was a weird culture for her. So i found an assisted living place with more Black residents, and she was much more comfortable there. (She had dementia.) The place she moved to had a slightly lower rating, but she was much happier there.
Places to look would be any local facebook groups, and ask, 'anyone have any recommendations on a nursing home/ continuing care community/ assisted living place?'
Also, google the name of the facility you are considering and click on news to see if there's an article, pro or con, about that place.
In some communities, like the tiny rural one i live in, there are adult foster homes that provide as good care, although less stimulation like 'field trips.' But depending on what your loved one needs, and how much money you're working with, it might be a good fit.
Be sure to tour any place you're considering, and stay for a meal.
Good luck!
Jane, in rural eastern Oregon
@PeteP74386 Looks like you've already got a good handle on some of the things to ask about. I'd also research:
You can look for ratings and scores for the facility in Medicare's Nursing Home Compare tool.
Here are some articles to help:
Hope this is helpful!
Take care,
Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert
"I downloaded AARP Perks to assist in staying connected and never missing out on a discount!" -LeeshaD341679