Tell me about the care in this home?
You’re looking to understand what levels of care are available, especially if you have particular questions around specialist care, dementia care, respite and support for carers and families. You also want to understand how the homes facilitate your family’s involvement and how they communicate with you and your family regarding care.
Ask about the training and qualifications of the care staff, whether nurses are on duty at all times, what specialist care is available for your particular circumstances (for example, dementia), what security checks are done on staff and so on.
What room options are available to me?
Not everybody wants the same kind of room and every home has a range of rooms that appeal to different people for different reasons.
It’s important to ask about details also. Does the room look onto a garden? Is it near the communal areas? Does it have a telephone connection or an aerial for you to have your own TV? Don’t be worried about asking them to put the information down in writing for you so you can think about it after the discussion.
What is the cost?
The facility will explain this to you fairly early on in the first discussion and they will also help you figure out what you can afford and whether you are entitled to any government assistance.
Can you tell me about the communication and feedback system in this home?
It is important to understand how this works in a home. How can you and your family be involved in providing feedback? What is the best way to ask for information on menus or care plans or activities? What if you have concerns about the care? Is there a formal complaints system? What about languages other than English?
What is there for me to do once I’m here?
Very few people want to sit in their rooms all day so make sure you ask questions to get a good understanding of the lifestyle program. What does the social and lifestyle program look like at the moment? How easy is it to access local cafes or libraries? What if I wanted to learn a new skill or go to church? Does the home have regular day-trips and outings to shops and services? Is it easy for friends and family to visit?
So explain to me about the catering at this home?
You’ve looked after yourself and your family for a long time, so relinquishing control of the menu is a big shift. Ask about how the home caters for special dietary requirements – be it allergies or preferences. What about food that needs to be prepared appropriately for your culture? What if you prefer a big meal in the middle of the day? Can you make your own tea and toast whenever you want? Where is the food sourced from? Is there an in-house chef?
What outdoor activities are available?
Outdoor activity is essential to your health and wellbeing so be sure to ask what is in place to ensure this is available to you. Most homes have several outdoor areas to ensure you have access to gardens and fresh air whenever you wish it.
How secure is the facility?
It is important to know how safe each resident in their own room. For example; Can dementia patients wander into other people’s rooms? Understanding what mechanisms the facility has in place to ensure your security and safety will help to put your mind at ease. Don’t be afraid to ask them to walk you through exactly how secure your room would be and what access staff and others could and would have to your personal space.
Do residents do their own laundry? Can they?
Most facilities offer a laundry service as part of their offering, but it is always prudent to have confirmation of this. If you are someone who would like to do their own washing, then ask if this is possible also.
Can I bring my pet to live with me at RACF?
Many facilities will allow a pet but this access will be subject to the pet meeting strict criteria. Most facilities will allow families and friends to bring pets to visit and this is often encouraged as it boosts morale within the home. Pet therapy has been proven to improve moods and give a positive outlook to those who interact with animals.
Do I have to supply my own mobility aids?
In most cases, you will need to provide your own mobility aids, but it is always important to understand what the facility can offer you to improve your mobility.
Can I bring my own things from home?
Most facilities will encourage you to bring in some personal effects so it feels familiar and homely to you. If permitted, all electrical items will need to be tested and tagged by the facility to ensure they are safe to use and will not pose a hazard to you, staff or other residents. As space can sometimes be an issue, any larger items like chairs or side tables will need to be discussed prior to bring them in. Make sure you ask for a detailed list of what you can and cannot bring with you.
Can I leave the facility to stay with family overnight or for special occasions?
Normally this would not be an issue but there will likely be a protocol to follow in order to ensure the facility knows where you are at all times. Make sure you ask what this process is and what your family or friends need to do in order to facilitate this on your behalf when required.
Do I have to give notice to leave the facility?
Provided the facility is not in any type of lockdown status, there will be a sign out process that will need to be followed when you leave the facility. Be sure to ask what this is so you are comfortable with the steps you need to follow in order to leave and return safely.
If the facility goes into lockdown – what actions take place that keep the residents safe and also connected to their loved ones?
Each facility will have a slightly different protocol when it comes to lockdown so make sure you ask what this is so you are prepared if and when it happens.