Recognizing the Red Flags of a Senior Care Facility

Did you know that there are nearly 900,000 Americans that are currently living in an assisted living facility? It is no surprise that some facilities are better than others. If you are looking for Columbus senior care, there are some steps that you can take to be able to recognize a red flag when you see one.

Staff Interaction

One way to know if an assisted living facility is right for you or your loved one is to observe the way that the staff interacts with each other and with the residents. Make sure that the residents are treated respectfully. Watch the residents’ reactions when dealing with the staff to see that they are happy when help approaches. To know how the staff really acts toward the residents, you should try to stop by unannounced during different times of the day. Stop by during a meal time to see how the staff interacts during busy times of the day. Try to see how things are when it is quiet in the facility. What does the staff do during slow times? Use all of this information to discover how you or your loved one will be treated if they are in the facility.

Room Holding Policy

When you look at your contract you want to make sure that if you have a short medical stay that your room will be held for you during the time that you are away. While nursing homes are required to hold a room for Medicaid patients, many assisted living facilities don’t have the same regulations. They are not required to hold a room for someone that is in need of a hospital stay. Make sure that your contract includes the provision that your room will be held if you should have to leave for a short period of time.

Care Plan

When you go to an assisted living facility, a care plan will be drawn up that will discuss the concerns of your loved one and the plan for his or her care. You want to make sure that you and your loved one are both part of those meetings, and that you will be able to take an active part in the decisions for the care of your loved one. If the facility is hesitant to allow you in the meetings, consider it a red flag.

If you or a loved one is in need of Columbus senior care, there are many wonderful options for the person that needs some extra assistance. With some research, you will be able to find a great facility that will meet your needs.

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