ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 28, 1996 TAG: 9604270016
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
Here are some of the items to consider when selecting a long-term care facility:
Licensing: Is the home's State Department of Health license posted? Does the administrator have a current license from the State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators? Is the home certified to participate in federal Medicare and/or Medicaid programs?
Facilities: Are rooms and hallways well lighted? Are chairs sturdy? Do bedrooms open into the hall? Is there a window? Is there drapery for each bed and a nurse call bell by each bed?
Are toilets easy for a wheelchair patient to use? Are there unpleasant odors in the home? How well-equipped is the day room with lamps, tables and comfortable chairs? Are books and games available?
Services: Are meals served on schedule?
Is medical care and therapy available? How well is the staff trained? Are grooming services available to residents?
Some things to do: Ask for the home's statement of patient rights. Visit a facility at least once without an appointment and talk with families who are visiting relatives.
Ask to see the latest state inspection report. If you want previous reports, contact the Office of Health Facilities Regulation at 1-800-955-1819.
Review complaints filed against the facility by calling: The Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman, 1-800-552-3402; if you suspect Medicaid fraud, contact the office of the attorney general at 1-804-786-1226, or for Medicare complaints, call The Medicare Review Center at 1-800-545-3814.
SOURCE: The League of Older Americans
LENGTH: Short : 42 linesby CNB