When dealing with the process of aging, you will sooner or later have to handle the possibility of needing a long-term care facility.
Thus, you should work this potential need into your basic estate planning. This can save you trouble later down the line.
Red flags to watch for
The National Institute on Aging discusses long-term care options for those who want to go for assisted living or care, or for those who may eventually have a need regardless of desire.
It is important to keep an eye out for potential red flags when trying to choose a care facility. For example, check the nursing staff and the front office. Do people seem to rotate in and out of positions? This might indicate burnout among the staff, which could decrease their quality of care or ability to provide for all residents.
Visiting potential facilities
This is why it is important to try visiting all potential long-term care facilities in person. This is the best way to get a proper feeling regarding the atmosphere of the place, its tenants, how the tenants feel, and how the staff interacts with tenants.
It also provides a great opportunity to speak with the director of nursing staff and the director of the facility at large, which can give you insight into how and why they run things the way they do.
Keep in mind that you need to find a facility that meets your needs first and foremost, though. No matter how good the reviews look, if it does not have what you need, you will not have a good experience.
