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Choosing a Residential Care Facility

For many caregivers, there comes a point when they are no longer able to take care of their loved one at home. Choosing a residential care facility -- a nursing home or an assisted living facility -- is a big decision, and it can be hard to know where to start. It is helpful to gather information about services and options before the need actually arises. This gives you time to explore fully all the possibilities before making a decision.
The following are helpful hints in exploring your options in the Hot Spring County area. First, begin by determining what facilities are in Hot Spring County and the surrounding areas by requesting this information from your doctors, hospital social workers, religious organization, friends and relatives. Then make a list of questions you would like to ask of each facility’s staff. Think about what is important to you, such as activity programs, religious services, transportation, in-house hair salon, etc.
Once you have decided what is important, decide which facility you would like to interview. Yes, think of this as an interview. You are investing time, money and energy into your loved one’s care, so in essence you are paying for a service. Contact each place that interests you and make an appointment to visit. Talk to the administration, nursing staff, and residents. Observe the way the facility runs and how residents are treated. You may want to drop by again unannounced to see if your impressions are the same.
Ask about staff training in the care of residents with the same diagnosis as your loved one, or in any special needs area they might have. Check to see what the policy is about family participation in planning patient care. Check on room availability, cost and method of payment, and participation in Medicare or Medicaid. You may want to place your name on a waiting list even if you are not ready to make an immediate decision about long-term care.
Once you have made a decision, be sure you understand the terms of the contract and financial agreement. You may want to have a lawyer review the documents with you before signing. Moving is a big change for both you and your loved one. A social worker may be able to help you plan for and adjust to the move. It is important to have support during this difficult transition.
The following resources are available to assist caregivers whose loved ones are still in the home: Area Agency on Aging, 905 W. Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71913, 501-321-2811; Central Arkansas Development, 1303 South Main Street,
Malvern, AR 72104, 888-592-6318 or 501-332-5426; Hot Spring Department of Health and Human Services, 2505 Pine Bluff St., PO Box 813, Malvern, AR 72104, Voice 501-332-2718, Fax 501-332-3368.

Neeley Reeder, LSW, is a social worker with HSC Medical Center.