Picking a LTC in a different state for your relatives

Sleepyeyes · Oct 19, 2002

Oh waaahhhh!!! Dear Jen, even having the discussion about her fx'd hip made me love her. You must be going through an awful lot right now... (((((((hugs to all)))))))

PM me and I can give you more advice than you'd ever need, but here's a start:

if it smells bad, it's a no.

visit on the OTHER shifts.

how many walkie-talkies and activities do you see in the daytime?

Stroll the halls at mealtimes-- especially lunchtime. How many are up, dressed and in the dining room?? How many in bed??

Ask the night shift how many rounds they make. There should be 3. Ask about staffing last, cause they probably won't tell be able to tell you the truth; they're usually not allowed to mention staffing ratios. But anything under 20/CNA is good with 30/nurse on 11-7), and you can spot the overworked staff by the number of times they roll their eyes at your questions.

You CAN find a good home. It may take some persistance, but you can. In Hazel's case, for this, make sure they have a good stroke rehab program--PT, OT, speech therapy, all that. Who knows? she may recover with the right therapy.

Jenny P · Oct 19, 2002

Sleepyeyes, thanks for the advice. The problem I have is the distance; trying to inspect the facilities may be tricky from this distance but I'll try to enlist help from her dtr. and grandchildren. I do appreciate the advice so far, and would never have thought of a few of your suggestions but they do make wonderful sence!. And I will PM you also to pick your brain some more for further advice.

Sleepyeyes · Oct 19, 2002

The biggest probs I see here are time (you always have to have a good nursing home yesterday) and distance. But you can do it.

There's a lot of info on the 'Net too....I'll try to get you a few good sites. Here's one to get you started:

http://www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp

cargal · Oct 19, 2002

Try the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers at http://www.caremanager.org/. These are people that will assist you in long term care placement in that area. Therre should be a directory and email/phone addresses. Good Luck to you.

Blessings,

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2002

Do a search saying nursing homes, you can link to a medicare government site and from there you can pick a state, name and location of any facility in the US that is able to provide medicare services. Can see their last survey.

renerian

http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp

flowerchild · Oct 19, 2002

I had a similar situation when my gma needed sub acute care in the Philly area. I live 800 miles away. I went to Philly to do what I could to help pick a facility. I unfortunatly relied on the social worker at the hospital and made several phone calls. I didn't have time to visit all the facilities that the SW recommended. So I called them all and picked what I thought was the best. Big mistake! Gma ended up checking herself out and moved to my second choice which was much better. I didn't have allnurses at the time to help. Wish I did! I know the nurses on this BB will help you. Just make sure that whoevers recommendation you take is not the admissions coordinator or marketing director! They will be biased usually.

The number one thing that needs to happen for your Aunt is that family visits often and makes sure that your Aunt is getting the care and TLC that she deserves. If the family members in that area are unable to visit atleast twice a week then you might consider moving Auntie to a facility where you can keep an eye on her and her care. Studies prove that the residents who have active visiting family members receive the best care in LTC facilities. I wish you and your Aunt all the best and much luck in finding the right facility for her!

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2002

LOL I see someone already posted this LOL

renerian

Jenny P · Oct 19, 2002

Thanks everybody for your help so far. I've copied off some of these sites and am taking them to talk over with the dtr. and the Aunties. I appreciate any and all help. :)