how to find good LTC for loved ones (at low cost)

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2006

YOu can look online for the inspection reports that they post at medicare.gov. Keep in mind that they might be a few months old and numbers don't always give the real story. They can also call the local deptof aging, do a google search on the company too.

Definatly take a tour of the facility. Actually I recomend 2 tours. One that is scheduled, then a walk in later or at a differnent time of the day. When I do tours I might introduce another family (with thier permission) to them and let them know that they can ask them questions. The facility should also post the inspection results and the #of staff on duty.

Sounds like they know a little about LTC since they've already lived in one?

LanaBanana · Feb 17, 2006

Thanks, I hadn't thought of medicare and dept of aging! Duh! Yes, she's dealt with a couple of LTC places already but her mom is not covered under medicare (they opted out of medicare because he was a preacher years ago) and still owns a house so she doesn't qualify for medicaid. So they're just trying to find a quality place that doesn't cost and arm and a leg. Her mom is already 92 and still in reasonably good health and may live several more years.

Thanks for the advice!

bargainhound, RN · Feb 17, 2006

There are also private home based living .....places where the numbers

are small and the care is individualized....clean....no smell....more

loving attention and cheaper!.....one is called TLC residence and is in Yale, Oklahoma......I am sure there are more.....very good option....also

quieter....no screamers.....no one wandering into another's room, etc.

My mother lived there when she became so ill we could not continue

to care for her....died of metastaic cancer...Hospice cared for her in

addition to the staff at the TLC residence......I would highly recommend it. It is much cheaper than a NH and the owner will negotiate on the

rates.

Bird2 · Feb 18, 2006

Medicare.gov/nursing home compare is approx 6 months behind but you can still view the most previous and last 4-5 years worth of surveys. I woud do a walk through tour before asking for a tour from the facility. Just walk in like you are a visitor. That way you can see if it is clean, has odors, if the residents are happy and well groomed. Once you have the quality indicators from the web site then you can ask them specific questions for example if the site shows a high number of pressure ulcers. They may have a lot of admits with ulcers because they are good at healing them or they just may have a poor skin program. Good luck.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2006

Does she need skilled care? Maybe a assisted living?