Making the decision to move a loved one into a long-term care facility can be one of the most difficult—and most important—steps in a caregiving journey. Whether it's your spouse, parent, or another aging family member, choosing the right facility involves more than finding a place with available beds. You need to understand their care needs, evaluate your options carefully, and ask the right questions to ensure the facility will provide the quality of life and clinical support your loved one deserves.
This guide outlines what to look for, how to prepare for visits, and how to make an informed, confident choice.
Understand the Level of Care Needed
Long-term care facilities vary in the type and intensity of services they provide. Before making any decisions, consider your loved one’s specific needs:
- Short-Term Rehabilitation: For those recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay, often with the goal of returning home.
- Skilled Nursing Care: For individuals requiring 24-hour medical supervision or help with chronic health conditions.
- Memory Care Units: Specifically designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Assisted Living: Ideal for those who need help with daily activities but not full-time nursing care.
Ask each facility what levels of care they offer and whether they can adapt as your loved one’s needs change over time.
Understand the Level of Care Needed
Long-term care facilities vary in the type and intensity of services they provide. Before making any decisions, consider your loved one’s specific needs:
- Short-Term Rehabilitation: For those recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay, often with the goal of returning home.
- Skilled Nursing Care: For individuals requiring 24-hour medical supervision or help with chronic health conditions.
- Memory Care Units: Specifically designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Assisted Living: Ideal for those who need help with daily activities but not full-time nursing care.
Ask each facility what levels of care they offer and whether they can adapt as your loved one’s needs change over time.
Understand the Cost and Payment Options
Cost is often a major concern for families, and it's crucial to understand what's included in a facility's rates and what may be billed separately. When evaluating options, ask:
- What is the daily or monthly base rate?
- Which services are included, and which require additional fees?
- Does the facility accept Medicare or Medicaid?
- Are there contracts with managed care plans or HMOs?
- Will long-term care insurance be accepted—and for what services?
Understanding these financial aspects up front can help you avoid surprises and plan for the long term.
Visit and Evaluate the Facility in Person
An in-person visit offers valuable insight that brochures and websites simply can’t provide. During your visit, observe the following:
Residents
- Do they appear well-groomed and comfortable?
- Are they engaged in activities or socializing?
Staff
- Are staff courteous, attentive, and respectful?
- Do they address residents by name and interact positively?
- Are they wearing name tags and properly groomed?
Resident Rooms
- Are rooms clean, quiet, and well-ventilated?
- Do shared rooms offer sufficient privacy?
- Are bathrooms equipped with grab bars and non-slip surfaces?
Dining Experience
- Is the dining area welcoming and orderly?
- Is the food served hot and appealing?
- Are dietary needs and preferences accommodated?
Activities and Social Life
- Are there regular activities, outings, and engagement opportunities?
- Are there visible activity calendars, posters, and event announcements?
Building and Grounds
- Is the facility clean and well maintained?
- Are there secure outdoor spaces for fresh air and visits?
- Are hallways and stairways equipped with safety features like rails?
Additional Questions to Ask
Some aspects of facility care aren’t immediately visible. Don’t hesitate to ask about:
- Doctors and Healthcare Providers: Will your loved one’s physician have access, or will care be managed by facility-affiliated doctors?
- Admission Agreement: Can you review the contract before committing?
- Family Involvement: Are family visits encouraged? Are there care planning meetings or support groups?
- Survey Results: Request the most recent inspection or survey. Ask about any deficiencies and how they were addressed.
- Facility Policies: Understand rules around noise, personal belongings, privacy, and resident rights.
Long-Term Care Facility Selection Checklist
Use this checklist when evaluating and comparing facilities:
- Services match your loved one’s current and future care needs
- Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance coverage
- Transparent, competitive pricing with clear billing
- Residents appear happy, healthy, and engaged
- Staff are knowledgeable, caring, and professional
- Clean, comfortable resident rooms with safety features
- Appealing meals and welcoming dining environment
- Varied activity and social programs
- Safe, well-maintained buildings and grounds
- Easy-to-understand admission agreements
- Family participation is welcomed and supported
- Inspection reports show no major concerns
- Policies promote dignity, safety, and quality of life
How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help
Navigating long-term care options can feel overwhelming, especially during times of stress or crisis. Geriatric care managers (also known as aging life care professionals) provide invaluable support by:
- Conducting in-home or hospital assessments to determine care needs
- Recommending appropriate facilities based on medical, emotional, and financial factors
- Coordinating facility tours and asking the right questions
- Reviewing contracts and payment plans
- Advocating for your loved one during transitions and ongoing care
- Providing peace of mind through expert, compassionate guidance
Their deep understanding of local resources and healthcare systems ensures families make choices that are not only informed but also in the best interest of their loved one’s well-being.
Find the Right Long-Term Care—With Expert Help by Your Side
Choosing a long-term care facility doesn’t have to be a journey you take alone.
📞 Contact LiveWell today to schedule a free initial consultation and discover how our experienced care managers can support you and your loved ones—during the transition to long-term care and beyond.
