FINDING A NURSING FACILITY
After you and your personal physician discuss the type of services needed, obtain
a list of nursing facilities in your area offering those services.
Your doctor or social worker will be familiar with area facilities. Also, contact
CHCA, your local medical society, community welfare agency, or health department.
Friends and neighbors may offer information if they are acquainted with someone
in a nearby home. Your church or synagogue will be able to give you names of area
long term care facilities.
By telephoning the care facilities on your initial list, you will be able to narrow
the field to two or three offering the specific services and location you desire.
Plan to visit each of the facilities at least once. Talk with the administrator
and tour the facility. Contact the Colorado Health Care Association regarding a
brochure entitled "Thinking about a Nursing Home? - A Consumer's Guide to Long
Term Care." This is a very informative and helpful brochure. Don't be afraid
to ask questions.
All nursing facilities monitor internal quality assurance standards. Each
department is evaluated; patients, family members, and staff are asked to evaluate
the care provided.
Culture Change: