Always ask other people what they think about the facility before deciding to use their services. This is especially if the people whose views you seek are in a position to give you an unbiased and informative view of the institution. This would save you a lot of hassle, as you will avoid getting yourself into a bad position by making the wrong decision. Some people you can talk to include people who work in the health industry, such as nurses.
Investigate if the institution has a license. This will at least give you peace of mind that the institution meets the state's requirements for offering services. Also, an institution that has been around for a long period of time may be a better option as it shows that they are more stable. They also have more experience in caring for patients.
Find out the specific services that the facility provides to its patients. Let the staff know the requirements of the patient and ask them if they can meet those requirements. It is also a good idea to clarify with the facility what kind of involvement they expect from the family members when it comes to looking after the patient.
Know the options that the facility provides when it comes to inpatient services. Some institutions have their own built in inpatient unit, while others don't. For those that don't have an inpatient unit, ask them if they have connections with other hospitals close by, where admission of the patient can be organized in case there is need to manage complicated symptoms.
For those who look after their loved ones at home, you can organize with the facility to have the patient taken off your hands for some time so that you can get a break. The patient can be transferred to the institution for a few days. Alternatively, the institution can send some of its staff members to look after the patient at home. They will be in charge of the patient on a full time basis, thereby giving the caregiver some time to rest and recover.
The facility should be able to come up with a plan for the patient. The plan should be written out and copies given to family members. The plan states the different caregivers that will be in charge of the patient at different times, their duties and contact details.
Consider how much it will cost you to have your loved one at the institution. Some facilities can be more flexible and organize payment plan that is suitable for you. They can even organize for financial help in case the bills become too high for you to pay. Consult your health insurer to see how much of the cost they would be willing to cover.
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