Country Care Assisted Living - Choosing A Facility

Few assisted living home residents are actually beaten or starved by their caregivers. Even in homes that enjoy good reputations, however, it's not uncommon for residents to be neglected or otherwise subjected to subtle forms of abuse that undermine their sense of dignity. Here's how to find a home that truly takes care of its residents.

Going Undercover- Ask friends, family members, doctors, etc., to recommend homes. Once you have three or four names, make plans to visit each one.

Trap: If assisted living home employees know you're evaluating the facility, they may try to hide unpleasant truths about it.

To get a true picture: Don't reveal your mission. Tag along when a friend goes visit a relative who lives at the home. What if you don't know anyone with a relative there? Ask friends, colleagues, etc., if they know someone in a particular nursing home. Get them to "hook you up" with that person.

Your Undercover Visit- On your initial visit, pay attention to the basics-the level cleanliness and orderliness, the general attitude of the staff, the demeanor of the residents and the overall ambiance.

Observe staff members: Are they gentle with residents? Do they use a pleasant tone of voice? A impatient or harsh tone strongly suggest that you should look elsewhere.
Check the general appearance of residents: Cleanliness and good grooming suggest that residents are getting proper care. Do they look well-fed? Notice, too, whether residents have any bruises. Bruises can suggest rough handling during bathing, getting into and out of bed, etc.
Check the level of privacy: As you walk down the hall, are you able to peer into rooms and see the residents being bathed, changing clothes, etc.? Avoid homes that fail to safeguard this basic right to privacy.
Speak with residents: Introduce yourself politely, then ask how they like the food, the activities, etc. In good homes, residents speak freely-- even when complaining.
Look for the Residents' Bill of Rights: This document, outlining rights to privacy, choice in treatment and freedom from abuse, should be posted in the lobby and in every room.

For a free copy, contact the National Citizens' Coalition for the Nursing Home Reform, 1424 16th St. NW, Ste. 202, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-332-2275

If a particular assisted living home looks promising on your undercover visit, call to arrange a formal visit. Use this visit to conduct a more thorough investigation of living conditions, rules, activities, etc.

Schedule meetings with the home's social service director, activity director and dietitian. The activity director should oversee a full roster of recreational, cultural and physical activities for residents.

If no staff member devotes all of his/her time to this function--in some homes, for example, the social service director doubles as activity director--look for another home.

In many homes, activity schedules are posted. If so, check to make sure these activities really taking place as scheduled. Residents should have access to lots of books--and books on tape. Make sure the tape players are in working order.

Each resident should have access to a telephone--ideally in his/her room. Visiting hours should be liberal. Close family members should be able to visit until late in the evening.

Few homes have physicians on the premises, but one or more should visit the facility several times a week. at least one physician should be on call at all times.

When you're reasonably sure a home fits the bill, speak with the administrator. This is the person who is ultimately responsible for how the facility is run.

Saturday Afternoon Inspection- Make your last visit on Saturday afternoon. That's when the staff is leanest and problems are most apparent.