Region 10A l 1.800.365.3112
Questions for Care Providers
Ask the right questions for peace of mind while you're searching for a long-term care facility.
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How many aides to residents?
Answer:
If the staff to resident ratio is stretched
too thin, it may take longer to have call
lights answered.
Will the facility help the resident communicate if they don’t
speak English?
Answer:
A resident has the right to have
paperwork in a language they can understand. Tools like Google translate
can assist in communicating with staff
on a daily basis.
Will my loved one be able to see
their doctor?
Answer:
Residents have the right to choose their doctor. They can see the contracted doctor at the facility or go out to appointments with their preferred doctor. They should sign a HIPAA release to share information with the facility.
Can visitors come in the evening?
Answer:
Residents may have visitors of their choice at times convenient for them.
Can the kitchen accommodate
special diets?
Answer:
Nursing homes will accommodate any doctor prescribed diet. All facilities should accommodate allergies and dislikes. All should have alternative menus available.
How does the facility demonstrate person-centered care?
Answer:
The residents should be able to rise & rest, shower, choose meals and attend activities as they choose.
When was the most recent survey?
What were the results?
Answer:
Facilities are required to make survey results available for review upon request. Reviewing survey results can provide insight on regulatory issues the facility may be facing.
How does the facility look, smell and sound when you tour?
Answer:
Try to tour the facility as a drop in versus scheduling an appointment. This will allow you to get a feel for a real day. Did the staff greet you? Does the facility appear clean? Do residents appear to be happy?
How do residents who have difficulty communicating make their needs known?
Answer:
The facility should make accommodations to ensure all residents are able to communicate their needs. This may include providing literature in their native language, communication boards or even an interpreter.
Does the facility provide any
specialty care?
Answer:
Some facilities will provide care to certain populations, such as dementia care, brain injury and mental health. Ask what training staff receive to serve these populations.
Can I have a camera in my room?
Answer:
Esther’s Law, which grants nursing home residents and/or resident representatives the ability to authorize and install electronic monitoring devices in resident rooms to monitor the quality of care received in the home, became effective
in Ohio on March 23, 2022.
