Helpful Tips FOR CHOOSING A

LONG-TERM CARE HOME

Choosing a long-term care home -- whether it is assisted living or a nursing home -- is an emotional, time-consuming decision whether it is for you or your parents, or even a friend or neighbor. It is best to plan ahead, if possible, and tour at least three facilities. Planning ahead means you can choose the home you want, and aren't forced to make a decision in an emergency.

The staff at Cedar Hill is experienced with helping our potential residents and their families through these decisions. Please don't hesitate to use our expertise.

Here we offer some of the advice we have learned over the years.

* Gather together all your financial information first, whether it is for you or your parents. There are many options in long-term care - some quite expensive, some not as expensive. You need to know before you start to look what you can afford.

* Gather your health information, whether it is for you or your parents, before you look. This allows you to assess what level of care your or your loved one needs before you start your visits. Bring the health information with you. The places you visit can then determine if they can provide the care you or your parents need. Having this information also allows you to decide if the facility you are visiting can give the care you need.

* We recommend you look at three places at a minimum. Deciding on an independent or assisted living, a residential care home, a nursing home or a continuing care community is not just about money or health. It is also about choosing a home. That means you, your parent and your family feel comfortable there and enjoy being there.

This might seem odd to say about living at a nursing home! Who could enjoy that? But we have residents who will tell you "I love it here!" And their families will as well. You need to feel the fit is right.

* Pets may be an issue for you. At Cedar Hill, we take pets if we can. Some places do and some don't. If this is an important issue to you, ask when you visit and before you commit.

* Visit more than once. Ask to talk to the Community Administrator and other people in management. Ask to stay for a meal. Talk to the residents. Get references. All of this will help you feel comfortable with your choices.

* If you do not like the care you or your parents are receiving, first talk to the director or administrator. If you can't resolve your issues, remember you can always move. We have many residents who have come to us from other long-term care facilities.

* Once you have made the decision, prepare for the move. The admissions coordinator can help you with these preparations.

At Cedar Hill, residents at our independent and assisted living apartments furnish their apartments themselves. That means they can bring their own furniture, artwork, dishes and other items. They can set up their new home as they like. At Victorian House, you may also furnish your room and set it up as you like. Whether we will provide the bed, or you will, will depend on the person's health conditions. Ask your admissions coordinator about this.

In our Health Care Center, we provide the bed and dresser. The resident may bring a comfortable chair and other personal items.