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What To Look for in a Residential Care Facility

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Residential care facilities provide out-of-home care for people who are no longer able to live alone or care for themselves. The most important step in starting the search for a residential facility is to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of living in such a facility. Here are some of the most important pros and cons to help with your decision:

Pros

  • Residential care provides a safe living environment for its residents, usually in private rooms. Most of the responsibilities of daily life, such as cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and grocery shopping, are provided for residents. Round-the-clock medical care is available, which can be especially helpful for seniors who may struggle to manage their medication schedules. In the event of an emergency, it’s reassuring to have trained staff on hand at all times to provide immediate assistance.
  • Many residential care facilities allow married couples to stay together. This is reassuring for those seniors who are anxious about being separated from a spouse.
  • Most people living in a residential care community will find that there are many activities provided right on the premises. Depending on the size and the resources of the facility, activities can include classes in gardening, baking, low-impact exercise, yoga, art, and music. Most importantly, this type of living arrangement offers social interaction with peers, which is important for gaining a sense of well-being. Local trips to an off-site location are another option for those who are capable of heading out.
  • If a mature adult requires specialized therapy or cognitive training, they will find that residential care facilities often provide this on-site without the need to travel anywhere else.

Cons

  • There is no question that in-residence care will be much more expensive than in-home care. Finances are a key concern, and the level of care required will also have an impact on the cost.
  • Some mature adults find living in a residential care facility to be a nurturing and stimulating environment. However, for many others, the communal living scenario is difficult to adjust to, and they miss their independence.
  • Most facilities will have an all-day visiting policy for family and friends to come when it is convenient. It is important to consider the distance from your home to the facility so that it encourages regular visits.

Investigate thoroughly

Once you have narrowed down your search to a few possibilities, get in touch with the residential care facility and plan an in-person visit. Be prepared to ask questions, including about state licensing and Medicare and Medicaid certification. As you tour the facility, note whether the residents appear well cared for, the building smells clean and is well maintained, there are warm interactions between the staff and the residents, and the food looks appetizing and well prepared. Plan an unscheduled visit on another day to see if your first impressions were correct. Make sure you receive all the details on the costs and services that are included. Read the contract very carefully before signing on the dotted line.

There are sources available to you to help you through the process. Medicare has a Care Compare Tool (www.medicare.gov/care-compare/) to help you compare the different types of care providers near you. You may want to do the research in advance of actually needing the care, so it does not become a rushed decision down the road.

You can find more information at our Elder Law Reports page, including “A Nursing Home Resident’s Rights” and “Living With Alzheimer’s: A Legal and Financial Resource Guide.”

 

Bridget Mackay
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