How to Select a Facility

Look at the Participants:

• Do they seem well cared for?
  
• Are they involved in activities?
  
• Do they do more than just sit and watch TV?
  
• Are they talking among themselves?
  
• Are physical restraints used?
  

The Facility:

• Is the Facility bright and cheerful?
  
• Is it clean and odor free?
  
• Is the temperature comfortable?
  
• Are there grab bars on toilets and showers?
  
• Is fresh drinking water available at all times?
  

Look at the Staff:

• Do employees show respect for the Participants?
  
• Do employees only discuss Participants’ medical problems privately?
  
• Do employees know Participants by name?
  
• Are Participants treated like adults?
  
• What is the staff to participant ratio?
  
• Are the staff friendly and open to your questions?
  
• Are employees dressed neatly?
  
• Do Participants seem at ease with the staff?
  
• Are staff trained in first aid and CPR?
  

The Participants’ Safety:

• Are emergency exit doors well marked, unobstructed, and unlocked?
  
• Are there wheelchair ramps?
  
• Are there sufficient smoke detectors and sprinklers?
  
• Do halls have handrails?
  
• Are fire, evacuation and disaster plans posted?
  
• Are there designated smoking areas?
  
• Are hallways wide enough for 2 wheelchairs to pass?
  

Food:

• Are the dining room and kitchen clean?
  
• Do Participants appear to like the food?
  
• Is the staff feeding Participants who cannot feed themselves?
  
• Can special diets be arranged?
  

Services and Programs:

• Does the nurse provide on-going health assessments, education and administration of medications?
  
• Does the nurse provide assistance and coordination of services with other health professionals?
  
• Are therapy services available on site for Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy?
  
• Are special events and holiday parties held for the Participants?
  
• How is transportation provided to and from the center?
  
• Is transportation provided for doctor’s appointments?
  
• Are activities planned which take into account the Participants’ interests?
  
• Are there organized field trips?
  
• Is there a private area for Participants to meet with family, visitors or doctors?
  
• What level of assistance is provided for walking, dressing, bathing, toileting and eating?
  

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