Aged care checklist

Aged care checklist When trying to decide which aged care home or service best suits your needs, a checklist is an excellent evaluation method.

Take note of your first impressions when you first call the nursing home or service. Are staff friendly and accommodating to answering your questions? When considering a nursing home, ask to tour the facility and speak to people already living in the care home. You may know someone who lives there or has a loved one at the facility. Ask them about their experience. You may want to consider a short-term respite stay at the home. That way you can experience what it is like to live in the facility before you make the final decision as to whether it is a place you would like to move into permanently. Below are a number of questions to ask the provider when assessing the suitability of an aged care home, supported living facility or other service, to assist you in making your decision. The provider Is the provider for-profit or not-for-profit, church or charity based? Do the owners/directors of the company have a health and/or aged care background? When was the last time a complaint was made to the provider, what about and how was it dealt with? Are residents and their families encouraged to have input into services offered and the quality of care? The facility Does the home look and smell fresh and clean, and is it in good repair? Are the carpets and floor coverings clean? Is the inside temperature comfortable? Does the home meet safety regulations? Is there good and clear signage throughout the facility? Are there secure and interesting outdoor areas? Are there spaces and activities to support people living with special needs, such as dementia? Do the residents appear clean and neat? Can you stay in the facility if your needs change? The staff Are the staff friendly and welcoming? Does the staff provide clear answers to your questions? What is the mood of interaction between staff and residents? Do staff look like they take their time with residents to give them personal attention? What is the ratio of nurses/care workers to residents on weekdays, weekends and at night-time?

Aged care checklist

The room Is it a single or shared room? Is the room you’re shown the actual room you’ll be moving into or is it for display only? Does the room have an ensuite or are the bathrooms shared? Are there provisions for married couples? How is the room allocation determined? Is there access to a private phone line, internet connection or pay TV? How is the heating/cooling controlled? What personal effects and furnishings can you bring to the home? Are there provisions for safe storage of personal items? Are there easily accessible alarm buttons in the room and how many? Are staff respecting resident’s privacy – do they knock before entering a resident’s room? Day to day living Are there areas for families and friends to meet and celebrate special events? Can family and friends take part in activities? Are meals cooked on site or delivered? Are menus flexible and able to meet special requirements? What types of individual and group activities are offered and how often? Are there activities that include cultural and spiritual preferences? Are there any activities organised together with the local community? What special events are celebrated? Does the facility have pets on site or offer a pet visitation program? Health and personal care Is there a GP on site or can you continue to see a Physician of your choice? How do staff administer and monitor resident’s medicine intake? How are medical emergencies handled? What other services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy are available on site Is there a dietitian or nutritionist part of the care team? Does the facility have a wellness program? How does the facility deal with end-of-life/palliative care? Are any provisions, such as continence pads, rationed? Financial What are my payment options? What is the breakdown of the payable fees? Can you negotiate on the fees and how they are paid?