Assisted Living Facilities and Residential Care Facilities
If you are faced with the challenge of choosing a long-term care home for a loved one, you might not know where to start. It is important to understand the type of care that different facilities offer, as the level of care that your loved one requires will have a direct effect on their happiness and well-being. Likewise, it is critical to determine what level of care your loved one needs now and what type of care they might need in the future.
Levels of care is a term that’s used generally to describe the type and degree of personal assistance and medical care that a long-term care facility provides. Some individuals require only minimal assistance for completing the activities of daily living, whereas others require part- or full-time medical care.
Levels of Care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities and Residential Care Facilities
Although not all long-term care facilities use the same terminology to define the level of care they provide, these are some general guidelines regarding potential options.
Independent Living
This level of care is appropriate for individuals who are essentially able to live independently, but who prefer the amenities that come with community living. These amenities might include meal service, organized recreational activities, and housekeeping services.
Assisted Living
This level of care is appropriate for residents who need assistance in completing the activities of daily living. These activities typically include personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation and eating, and getting around.
Memory Care
This specialized level of care is designed for residents with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Memory care is characterized by an increased level of supervision, measures to prevent wandering, and specialized activities designed to enhance cognitive function.
Skilled Nursing Care
This level of care is necessary for individuals who need full-time nursing or medical attention. This includes those recovering from surgery or illness, and those with chronic health conditions that require constant care. In some cases, this level of care might also include rehabilitation services.
Finding a Long-Term Care Facility with the Appropriate Level of Care
Once you determine what level of care is appropriate for your loved one, you can begin the processing of vetting potential residential care facilities.
Although you can often obtain a basic level of information from a facility’s website, you will be best served by scheduling a tour of several facilities. Speak with staff and other residents and their families (if possible), to gain further insight into staff qualifications and the type and quality of care provided.
Finally, check facility inspection reports. Each facility is obligated to provide a copy of their latest inspection report upon request. However, you can also obtain copies of Ohio nursing home inspection reports from the state Long-Term Care Consumer Guide or from the long-term care ombudsman.
Choosing the long-term care facility for your loved one can make a significant difference in the quality of their lives. However, no matter how careful you are in making your choice, sometimes abuse and neglect can occur. If you believe a loved one is in jeopardy, Clark, Perdue & List can help. Our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers understand these challenges and know how to assist you in protecting your loved one’s legal rights. Contact us today for help.